NFL Chicago BearsNew England Patriots

Who Has the Advantage In Bears vs. Patriots Week 8 Matchup?

Who Has the Advantage In Bears vs. Patriots Week 8 Matchup?

Chicago Bears-Lance Briggs vs Patriots
Getty Images

This Sunday, the Chicago Bears will try to end the first half of their season on a good note by scoring an upset of the AFC East leading New England Patriots. The Bears (3-4) are trying to find consistency in their up-and-down season, while despite a three-game winning streak, the Patriots (5-2) are a bit vulnerable after some major injuries. Let’s see who has the advantage in this week’s matchup.

Bears' Pass Offense vs. Patriots' Pass Defense

New England-Darrelle Revis
Getty Images

Bears' Pass Offense vs. Patriots' Pass Defense

New England Patriots-Darrelle Revis
Getty Images

The Bears have some of the most potent offensive weapons in the NFL, but the Pats are first in the league against the pass, surrendering 208.0 yards per game. That statistic matched up against the turnover-prone Jay Cutler works highly in New England’s favor.

Advantage: Patriots

Bears' Run Offense vs. Patriots' Run Defense

Chicago Bears-Matt Forte4
Getty Images

Bears' Run Offense vs. Patriots' Run Defense

Chicago Bears-Matt Forte4
Getty Images

Even though Chicago relies heavily on their passing game, running back Matt Forte is more than capable of taking advantage of the absence of the Patriots’ leading tackler Jerod Mayo, who is out for the season. If the Bears opt to let Forte carry the ball more than the 15.8 times per game that he’s averaging this season, then Chicago’s ground attack could be the X-factor for an upset.

Advantage: Bears

Patriots' Pass Offense vs. Bears' Pass Defense

New England Patriots-Tom Brady
Getty Images

Patriots' Pass Offense vs. Bears' Pass Defense

New England Patriots-Tom Brady
Getty Images

Tom Brady has been arguably the best quarterback in the league over the past 13 years, and this season isn’t any different. Chicago has shown flashes of their ball-hawking abilities this year, however, their inexperience in the secondary can easily be exploited by Brady.

Advantage: Patriots

Patriots' Run Offense vs. Bears' Run Defense

Chicago Bears-D.J. Williams and Stephen Paea
Getty Images

Patriots' Run Offense vs. Bears' Run Defense

Chicago Bears-D.J. Williams and Stephen Paea
Getty Images

The Patriots are averaging a modest 103.3 yards per game on the ground, and Stevan Ridley, their leading rusher, is out for season. The steadily improving play of rookie defensive tackles Ego Ferguson and Will Sutton, along with veteran defensive tackles Stephen Paea and Jeremiah Ratliff, could keep New England’s running game in check.

Advantage: Bears

Special Teams

New England Patriots-Stephen Gostkowski
Getty Images

Special Teams

New England Patriots-Stephen Gostkowski
Getty Images

When it comes to special teams, almost everything is virtually identical. The one thing that stands out is the number of field goals attempted and made by Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski (18-for-19) compared to Bears kicker Robbie Gould (8-for-9). More attempts leads to the possibility of more points.

Advantage: Patriots

Coaching

New England Patriots-Bill Belichick
Getty Images

Coaching

New England Patriots-Bill Belichick
Getty Images

Bill Belichick is known for probably being the smartest coach in the NFL. Belichick’s game planning is difficult to counter. It will be even harder for the Bears to do so considering the extra time he’s had to prepare after an early Thursday game in Week 7. The fact that Chicago’s coaching staff is still struggling to find the team’s identity doesn’t help at all.

Advantage: Patriots

Who Has the Advantage?

New England Patriots-Rob Gronkowski and Tom Brady
Getty Images

Who Has the Advantage?

New England Patriots-Rob Gronkowski and Tom Brady
Getty Images

The good news for the Bears is that they are 3-1 on the road this season. The bad news is that not only are the Patriots 3-0 at home this year, but since 2003, New England has a home record of 24-1 in the month of October. Look for that trend to continue for the Pats this Sunday.

Overall Advantage: Patriots

Share Tweet