"Oct 16, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) looks to pass against the New York Jets during the second half at Gillette Stadium. The New England Patriots defeated the New York Jets 27-25. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports It is far from perfect, but compared to the beginning of the year, they are looking pretty good. Down their two best interior lineman for the majority of the last two games, they held up very well against two of the best defensive lines in the league, and that has allowed the Pats’ offense too look like the dominant unit we all know it to be. Bryan Stork and Dan Connolly should be good to go for this week’s game, which will give Brady even more time to pick and choose all of the matchup problems he will have against this Chicago secondary. How do you think the Bears will try to slow down Rob Gronkowski, Julian Edelman, Shane Vereen, and Brandon LaFell?"
I don’t expect the Bears to do much to slow down Rob Gronkowski. He will probably be open all day long and will probably run over most of the Bears defenders who try and tackle him. As for the wide receivers, I’m not sure what the Bears are going to do there. Probably let them catch passes over the middle of the field. I’m not too worried about Shane Vereen. His brother will play up in the box and tackle him every time. Even if he doesn’t have the ball. You know how brothers are. This game is not going to be won by defense. In all seriousness, the only way the Bears have any chance of stopping anyone is by generating pressure and sacking Tom Brady. It is possible. I just don’t see it happening the whole game. Brady is too smart. He will get rid of the football. He knows how to not hold on to the football too long and find open receivers. Maybe he can go talk to Jay and give him some advise. You know, after the game. Do you have faith in the Patriots defense to stop Matt Forte? I think your corners will be able to cover Marshall and Jeffery, but Matt Forte is dangerous no matter how he gets the ball.
Oh, and the Bears don’t have to do much about Brandon LaFell. I have him on my fantasy team so he will probably suck just because of that.
"I have mixed feelings about the success the Pats will have in slowing down Forte. They have lost Chandler Jones for the next few games, but at the same time, they just added Akeem Ayers and Alan Branch to help fortify that putrid run defense. I think they will focus on stopping Forte on the ground, and with that added beef, they will succeed. But that will open up plenty of opportunities for 22 in the passing game, as well as the Bears’ tight ends, which is an area where the Pats struggle as well. When you combine the absence of Jones, and the Patriots’ beefy front seven, you better believe Jay Cutler will have a ton of time to sit back in the pocket in this one. Overall, how do you see this matchup going down?"
Tom Brady is going to have a field day against the Bears secondary. The only way the Bears have a chance is if they can run the ball with Forte and generate pressure on Brady. I don’t see that happening against the Patriots at home where they are on a 12 game winning streak. The Brady Bunch always seems to figure out a way to win. This one shouldn’t be too difficult.
Bears 14 – Patriots 35
What do you predict?
"I’m not going to say the Pats will win by that much, but I agree Brady will have a good day against that Bears’ defense, which will be why they get the win. Matt Forte and Martellus Bennett will carry Chicago as far as they can, but a few Jay Cutler turnovers, combined with a huge game from Rob Gronkowski gives New England the comfortable win. Patriots 31 Bears 16"
So there you have it. We both agree that the Bears are going to go into Foxborough and get their butts whooped. That’s okay. At least we have the Blackhawks.