Summary
The recent performance of the New England Patriots' defense raises significant concerns following a disappointing game against the Chicago Bears. The Patriots allowed over 400 yards, marking their worst defensive outing under head coach Mike Vrabel. The defense struggled with missed tackles, recording a season-high of 16, which contributed to the Bears' ability to convert crucial plays, including a third-and-17 touchdown pass.
Quarterback Drake May performed adequately, but it was the Patriots' defense that ultimately lost the game. Despite entering the matchup with a top-five ranking in points allowed, the defense failed to contain the Bears' offensive plays, allowing multiple big gains. Coach Vrabel emphasized the need for improved tackling and the importance of creating turnovers, a point he reiterated in his post-game press conference. The Patriots currently sit in the middle of the pack in turnover differential, but their inability to force turnovers has become a recurring theme this season.
As the team prepares for a quick turnaround with a Thursday night game ahead, the focus will be on addressing these defensive shortcomings to regain competitive footing in the league.
Show Notes
The Patriots missed a season-high number of tackles in Chicago, from the Luther Burden touchdown to the play before Rhamondre Stevenson's score. Is it a Thursday night one-off or a real problem for this defense?
More from Jones and Keefe
The best Patriots-Bears reaction from The Greg Hill Show, Jones & Keefe, and Rich & Ken with Ted Johnson. What went wrong in Chicago? Why has Drake Maye thrown so many interceptions in the endzone? How concerned should we be about A.J. Brown's lack of production? Plus, Josh McDaniels joins Jones & Keefe.
Jones and Keefe break down Thursday's loss to the Bears, from Drake Maye's end zone interception to Ben Johnson outcoaching Mike Vrabel, and Josh McDaniels joins. Plus, the Friday 4 Pack, Top 5 Friday and the Grab Bag. 00:00 HR 1 - Did Caleb Williams outplay Drake Maye in Chicago? 42:51 HR 2 - Was Mike Vrabel outcoached by Ben Johnson? 1:27:26 HR 3 - Caleb Williams or Drake Maye: Who would you rather have? 2:09:53 HR 4 - Josh McDaniels on Drake Maye's end zone interceptions
Jones and Keefe debate who was better Thursday night and who they'd take long term, then dig into the Patriots' 16 missed tackles and Brag of the Week. 00:00 Caleb Williams or Drake Maye? 21:34 The Patriots' tackling woes 31:15 Week in review and Brag of the Week
Jones and Keefe react to a Thursday night shootout loss to the Bears, from Drake Maye's end zone interception to the defense's missed tackles and Ben Johnson outcoaching Mike Vrabel. 00:00 Thursday night shootout reaction 12:56 Drake Maye's costly red zone interception 22:08 The Rhamondre Stevenson touchdown and missed tackles 36:13 Ben Johnson's postgame and a February rematch?
Josh McDaniels joins to explain Drake Maye's red zone decisions and the fourth-down call, then Jones and Keefe react and hit the Grab Bag. 00:00 Josh McDaniels joins 15:26 Reaction: the fourth-down call and what McDaniels tells Drake 28:28 Grab Bag: Bozo touchdown parlay and the random ballplayer