The New England Patriots got back to basics in their win against the Chicago Bears Sunday, getting defensive and running the ball.
The Patriots improved to 3-7 on the year with the win and put together one of their best showings of the year. Sunday marked the first time all year that New England won a game by more than a three-point margin.
The Patriots made an impression, especially defensively, by shutting down No. 1 pick Caleb Williams at Soldier Field. Here‘s a look at what the national reaction is following Sunday’s game:
Patrick Finley, Chicago Sun-Times
“The Bears reached the low point of the Matt Eberflus era Sunday, and that’s saying something, given that he once lost 14 games in a row.”
Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune
“We stared at our TVs in disbelief, trying to process the unthinkable. How did this happen? Why did we not see it coming?”
Conor Orr, Sports Illustrated
“If one were to put together a package of broadcast shots that spell out rock bottom for a franchise, it would be the troika of beleaguered fans shaking their heads before exiting the game in drove … Such was life for the Chicago Bears.”
MBoneHD, Content Creator
“What am I watching!? … Nobody. Nobody has it worse than Chicago Bears fans.”
David Axelrod, former White House Chief of Staff
“If the (Bears) came out of halftime with an entirely new coaching staff, I think it would provoke a loud and sustained ovation.
“… Sadly, this didn’t happen. But great news for Patriots fans!”
Chad Finn, Boston Globe
“The truth is this: Maye played better with less to work with. He played with much more poise. And he’s nine months younger than Williams. Sure looks to me like the Patriots got the better quarterback.”
Mark Daniels, MassLive
“This Patriots rebuild is in the infancy stages. There’s a reason why they’re 3-7. There’s also a method to this madness. By focusing on young players this year, the Patriots hope they are building a solid foundation for the future.”
Jon Greenberg, The Athletic
“Is Week 10 too early or too late for a ‘Fire everybody and let God sort it out’ appeal? Depends on your perspective, I guess.
“This can’t continue. The Chicago Bears can’t go on like this. They can’t keep producing this brand of lousy, uninspired, miserable football. It’s just not productive. Not healthy. Not justifiable.”
Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune
“At some point, the quest to find answers must be accompanied by actual answers. The Bears can’t keep producing this brand of lousy, uninspired, miserable football. They can’t go on like this. This just can’t continue.”
Albert Breer, Sports Illustrated
“Drake Maye clearly outplayed Caleb Williams on Sunday, for what it’s worth.”
Kevin Fishbain, The Athletic
“How did the Chicago Bears get here? … No one in the locker room will play the blame game, but to lose 19-3 at home to the New England Patriots is an institutional failure.”
“The Chicago Bears have lost three straight since their bye week and are in danger of breaking rookie QB Caleb Williams.”
Karen Guregian, MassLive
“Between the lefty pass, extending plays all over the field, burying defenses with his scrambling, and his rocket arm, Maye gives the Patriots, a team that lacks stars, one who moves the needle. That’s why it’s easier to forgive the mistakes. Thus far, the magic has outweighed the miscues.”
Mark Potash, Chicago Sun-Times
“This can’t be happening again, can it? Caleb Williams looked like a shell of the player he was just four weeks ago in London. … Williams has not thrown an interception in three games of regression, so it could be worse. But he looks like a quarterback who is one step from disaster.
Mike Sando, The Athletic
“The questions flew toward Chicago Bears coach Matt Eberflus like poison-tipped arrows after the previously 2-7 New England Patriots embarrassed his team 19-3 at Soldier Field in Week 10.
“‘How do you defend your work as head coach when it looks this bad?’ one reporter asked.”
Jason Lieser, Chicago Sun-Times
The Bears don’t need to spend another day figuring out if Matt Eberflus is the right coach. If it wasn’t already clear, that question was answered conclusively Sunday.
Matt Vautour, MassLive
“There’s nothing wrong with losing to get a franchise quarterback, whether that’s a strategy or just happens organically. But it looks like the Patriots have their guy in Maye. Now it’s all about building around him. Building a roster, building a culture and building an understanding and feel for how to win.”
Adam Jahns, The Athletic
“An unfortunate reality is taking hold: Williams wasn’t as ready for the NFL as everyone thought, and the Bears weren’t ready for him, either.”
Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald
“Maye, for the most part, has shed the reckless hero-ball that likewise defined most of his final collegiate season. Sure, he tossed a silly interception in the first quarter and almost ripped another in the fourth. But Maye’s development is real, and it is spectacular.”
Courtney Cronin, ESPN
“The Bears overhauled their offense (new coordinator, QB, RB and 2 WRs), but it is statistically worse than it was in 2023 in a handful of categories. While the organization is trying to break the cycle of prevalent turnover when developing a young quarterback, it needs to determine whether it has the right coaches to guide Williams.”
