The New England Patriots have a lot to get ready for ahead of Thursday night’s trip to Chicago.
The possibility of a legitimate pass rusher returning to the Bears affords some appreciation for the Patriots that they won’t have to battle Chicago later in the regular season.
NFL insider Jason La Canfora mentioned Khalil Mack to the Chicago Bears in an October 21 column for Casino Guru, identifying the veteran as a potential trade match based on conversations with league executives.
Facing Chicago now as its defensive front is shorthanded could end up being the difference for New England.
Perhaps, the Patriots can take advantage of that.
Mack to Bears as Defensive Absences Mount
La Canfora included Chicago among six teams positioned to make moves before the trade deadline, pairing the Bears with the Los Angeles Chargers edge rusher.
His reasoning centered on Chicago’s defensive needs and its familiarity with Mack.
La Canfora wrote that “the unit clearly lacks bite and has been turnover-dependent,” identifying Mack as a potential answer. He also noted that the return of quarterback Caleb Williams gives Chicago time to evaluate its outlook before the deadline.
A successful reunion may cause future opponents to worry with quite the defender to account for.
Because as of late, New England’s current assignment involves a front missing two starters, defensive ends Montez Sweat and Dayo Odeyingbo, per Bears senior writer Larry Mayer. Sweat is serving a two-game suspension, while Odeyingbo is on injured reserve with a quadriceps issue.
Those absences make the Mack connection understandable. They also give New England a chance to attack Chicago before its regular starters return or a possible trade brings reinforcements.
Even against backups, the Patriots will clash versus a coordinator willing to manufacture pressure from various spots.
Patriots Must Capitalize Against Bears’ Shorthanded Front
Chicago demonstrated that missing defensive starters doesn’t prevent it from disrupting an offense.
Against Atlanta on Sunday, defensive coordinator Dennis Allen used a season-high 56.4% blitz rate. Cornerback Kyler Gordon snagged three sacks and two forced fumbles in his season debut, helping Chicago compensate for its depleted front.
Identifying those pressures will be central to turning favorable circumstances into production for Drake Maye. Missing edge rushers can change where pressure originates without eliminating it.
The great news is that despite using multiple offensive line combinations against the New York Jets, the Patriots didn’t surrender a sack. It was their first sack-free performance of the season, via the team’s Week 7 preview.
Repeating that protection would means Maye can work through his reads and make Chicago pay for sending extra rushers.
The Bears’ defensive numbers overall warrant some respect, ranked seventh in yards allowed and sixth in scoring defense, relinquishing 19.8 points per game.
Both teams bring 4-2 records into the matchup.
“They’re well coached; we got a tough challenge,” Maye said.
Patriots Get Lucky Timing as Khalil Mack Trade Buzz Surfaces