Pats Posits: Patriots Win a Weird One in Chicago

The Patriots needed to stop a Hail Mary at the one-yard line to hang on to a 38-31 win over the Chicago Bears after one of the most bizarre games in recent memory. Boiled down to its essence this was a game of good — two impressive interceptions and two special teams touchdowns — and bad — multiple long Mitch Trubisky runs and multiple penalties/giveaway.

The Bears were better than the Patriots on third down. They were better in the red zone. They had fewer penalties. They had more yards. But what they didn’t have in the end were more points and that’s why the Patriots are now 5-2 as they approach the midway point of the season.

Perhaps the biggest headline was the injury to Sony Michel, whom I’ve been harping on as perhaps the key piece of the offense. Michel’s leg was twisted around as he fumbled early in the game and had to be carted off. Of everything we take from this game, that injury might be the only significant piece that affects the Pats long term.

Overall this is the third disappointing performance on the road of 2018 but it was the first win, so that has to count for something. What else can we read into for the big picture beside the potential Michel injury? Here are the Posits.

— Just like in 2015, the running game was what was opening the entire bag of offensive tricks and losing Michel now, like they lost Dion Lewis then, would similarly neuter the offense. Not to say they’re dead in the water, but they’re going to have to find a new guy to carry the early-down load, with free agent Mike Gillislee being the most obvious choice. I am praying to the Holy Hoodie this is not a season-ender for Michel. Remember trying to get Stephen Jackson going in the 2015 AFC Championship? Yeah, no thanks on that.

— There were four plays that defined last week’s game and this week there was another small collection of breakdowns that had a huge impact on the game. The fumbles by Michel and Cordarrelle Patterson and the interception by Brady directly led to 21 of the 31 Chicago points. Still, the Patriots defense especially left much to be desired. Once again their lack of athleticism was apparent, allowing long runs by Trubisky and Trey Burton‘s career day (9 catches/126 yards).

— Part of the Mitch problems seemed more gameplan at points. I didn’t think the Bears could beat them with QB scrambles but they came pretty close. Mitch completed just 26 of 50 attempts, illustrating what a strange game it was.

— 3 giveaways and 7 penalties after zero and zero last week is the essence of this Jekyll and Hyde performance. Throw in the way-too-breaky 4-4 in the red zone, 8-16 defensive third downs, 6-13 offensive third downs and this just wasn’t the kind of performance that will get the Pats a win in most games.

— Hightower blocked a punt which Van Noy took in for a touchdown and Patterson took a kickoff to the house, two plays which seized back momentum and saved the Pats on this day. Those kind of big plays are a very good sign for the team overall. Pats teams that get bonus TDs like that are hard to beat.

— Seriously, nothing is more maddening than seeing a QB tuck it on third down after everyone is covered and running for a first down. The rush couldn’t contain him. There was no spy on him. I’m not sure who to be most pissed at. The gameplan that didn’t really seem to care about Mitch runs. The pass rushers who looked silly missing him all game. The coverage players who couldn’t tackle him. It was all a mess and it sure wasn’t the first time a quarterback has run wild on then Pats.

— Gotta feel great about Josh Gordon taking another step with his first 100-yard game even if I can’t ever quite recall seeing a player run out of gas like he did on his 55-yarder. If Gordon had been with the Pats in training camp I don’t think that would’ve been an issue.

— Julian Edelman brings such attitude to the offense. Five catches for 36 yards may not jump off the scoresheet but Jules was a big factor and if it wasn’t for him I’m not sure the team overcomes the lack of Gronk and the loss of Michel.

— I thought Kenjon Barner was fine. Got what was there and not much else. Somebody has to get signed this week. Again, please don’t let Michel be the latest rookie to join the IR list.

A win is a win as always, but the Patriots must be better on the road. With five of the next seven on the road they’re sure going to get their chance.  The defense is what it is. In a one-game situation, they can win any game. Michel is my only true concern for the Super Bowl hopes. Without him, they’re a much different team and one which will be far too one-dimensional.