Chicago Bears: 5 things to watch against the New England Patriots
By Todd Welter
Chicago Bears wide receiver N’Keal Harry debuts against his former team.
Harry will make his debut at wide receiver after missing most of training camp and the first six games with a high ankle sprain. Harry was acquired in the offseason for a 2024 seventh-round pick after not panning out in New England.
The Patriots former 2019 first-round pick had trouble with injuries that kept him off the field. He played in just 33 games over three seasons and caught just 57 passes.
The Bears are hoping a change in scenery will unlock his immense potential. Harry is a big-body receiver who could help the embattled receiver corp. It is highly unlikely he plays a majority of the snaps after being out this long. The hope is whatever he can give is better than what the Chicago Bears have seen from their receivers outside of Darnell Mooney.
#Bears coach Matt Eberflus said WR N'Keal Harry looks good and "we're excited to see where he is physically." Certainly looks like he will be in position to make his debut against his former team the #Patriots on Monday night.
— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) October 20, 2022
Can the Chicago Bears’ defense avoid getting run all over on against New England?
Mac Jones appears ready to come back from his injury and start on Monday. Rookie Bailey Zappe was slinging the ball all over the field in Jones’ absence. Whoever is starting at quarterback for New England should not expect to throw the ball a ton. Not when the Chicago Bears cannot stop the run.
The Bears have given up 1024 yards on the season. Only the Cleveland Browns are worse at stopping the run. Teams are averaging 5.2 yards per carry.
Rhamondre Stevenson is coming off two strong games and is averaging 5.1 yards a carry on the season. Belichick has shown in the past he will run plays necessary to win a specific game.
Right now, the best way to beat the Chicago Bears’ defense is on the ground. While Chicago’s pass rush has not been great, the Bears’ secondary has played well in the last six quarters they played.
So expect New England to pound the rock. The Bears will need linebackers Roquan Smith and Nicholas Morrow to shed blockers and get to the ball carrier if they hope to stop the run.
Smith has been struggling with that this season. If he can play as he did against the Houston Texans, the defense may have a chance at being respectable against the run.
Being respectable on Monday Night Football might be the best anyone can hope for the Chicago Bears.
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