Backs Against Da Wall: Bears – Patriots Preview
First lets take a look at what the national media predicts will happen in this game, from CBSSports.com:
Against the Spread Predictions(NE -6.5)
Will
Brinson
Josh
Katzowitz
Ryan
Wilson
John
Breech
NE
NE
CHI
NE
NE
NE
NE
NE
Straight Up Predictions
After looking through our sister Fansided Patriots site, Musket Fire, confidence seems to be pretty high:
http://musketfire.com/2014/10/24/new-england-patriots-three-keys-victory-versus-chicago-bears/
"I could honestly stop the keys to the game after this one, because slowing down Chicago’s feature tailback is easily the biggest key to the game. What makes Forte so dangerous is his ability to hurt you not only on the ground, but also through the air. He currently leads the league in receptions at 52, and while a good amount of these come from check-downs and screens, he is capable of beating linebackers and safeties on the outside as well."
Richard Hill, writer for Patriots’ blog, Pat’s Pulprit, states some very similar points in his view on beating the Bears. There seems to be little respect for the banged up Bear defense vs. the Pats offense:
http://www.patspulpit.com/2014/10/25/7062821/week-8-patriots-vs-bears-5-points-for-the-game
"The Bears rank 30th versus tight ends per DVOA. They’re playing back-up linebackers. They have a dinged up secondary. Their pass rush is inconsistent. If the Patriots can open up the play action pass with the running game, look for Tom Brady to uncork some fantastic throws up the seam to Gronkowski. The Patriots should look to go vertical on this Bears defense."