BSJ Game Report: Bears 30, Patriots 24 - Tired defense, one Maye mistake lead to a loss

Everything you need to know from the Patriots’ loss to the Bears in quickie form, with BSJ insight and analysis:

HEADLINES

Defense had multiple issues, couldn't get off the field: After holding the Bears to 32 yards and three points on eight plays during their first two drives, Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams got hot after that. The Bears scored on their four possessions (3 TDs, 1 FG) with three drives going for more than 70 yards. Williams, who saw his receivers drop at least three passes, burned the Patriots' blitzes from Zak Kuhr, going 12 of 18 for 215 yards and a TD for a 125.9 rating. The Patriots were sloppy on defense with a ton of missed tackles for the second straight week. Marcus Jones missed tackles on two touchdowns.

The Bears basically held the ball for most of the fourth quarter. The Bears ran 24 plays for 111 yards and took up over 11 minutes of game clock. 

The Bears had conversions of:

3rd and 11 - 21 yards
4th and 2 - 9 yards
3rd and 9 - 21 yards
2nd and 12 - 21 yards

Drake Maye was great, minus one big mistake: The Patriots got off to a very slow start on offense with 40 yards on three possessions, as it seemed like Josh McDaniels wanted to see how this game played out and to manage a revamped offensive line with two new guards. After that, the Patriots and Drake Maye caught fire with touchdowns or drives deep into Bears territory on the next five four possessions. But Maye will want one throw back. Trailing 13-7 and on first down from the Bears' 15-yard line, Maye threw an awful pass — underthrown and to the wrong shoulder — to Eli Raridon in the end zone to take at least three points off the board. 

Maye was 24 of 31 for 321 yards and 2 TDs. He also rushed 4 times for 26 and a touchdown.

TURNING POINT

This 3rd-and-9 throw and catch from Williams to Rome Odunze. Patriots were about to have great field position.

SECOND GUESS