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*This post is part of a weekly feature that will include a short recap, highlights and stats of the last time the New England Patriots played their upcoming opponent.
LAST TIME OUT
It’s been nearly four years since the New England Patriots and the Chicago Bears last met in a regular season matchup.
On Oct. 26, 2014, the Patriots hosted the Bears at Gillette Stadium for what would eventually become a 51-23 New England victory.
The Patriots outscored the Bears 31-7 in the second quarter alone, to take a 38-7 lead at the half. In fact, New England scored on all five of its first half possessions and even one of Chicago’s – when defensive end Rob Ninkovich scored with 55 seconds left in the first half on a 15-yard return of Jay Cutler’s fumble. This was the third Patriots touchdown in 57 seconds.
Although they were outscored by Chicago in the second half (16-13), the damage that was done in the first half was enough to seal the victory for New England.
NOTEWORTHY
Quarterback Tom Brady had one of the top performances in his career as he completed 30-of-35 passes for 354 yards. Four of the incompletions were drops. His completion percentage of 85.7 was his third best ever at the time. He had a passer rating of 148.4 in this game.
Brady and tight end Rob Gronkowski connected on three scores for the day, while Brady also threw one touchdown each to Brandon LaFell and Tim Wright.
THE STATS
Tom Brady was 30-of-35 for 354 yards and five touchdowns, while Jay Cutler was 20-of-30 with 227 yards, three scores and one interception.
Jonas Gray led New England’s rushing efforts with 17 carries and 86 yards, while it was Matte Forte who led the way for Chicago with 19 rushes for 114 yards. Forte also tallied six receptions, 54 yards and one receiving touchdown.
Rob Gronkowski and Brandon LaFell had huge receiving days for the Patriots. Gronk caught nine passes for 149 yards and racked up three scores, while LaFell had 11 receptions for 124 yards and one touchdown. Tim Wright added seven catches, 61 yards and another score.
Martellus Bennett led Chicago’s receivers with six catches for 95 yards and one score. Alshon Jeffery and Forte added the other receiving touchdowns.
Jamie Collins and Dont’a Hightower had strong defensive days for the Patriots, tallying 11 and 10 total tackles apiece, respectively. Akeem Ayers and Dominique Easley added a sack apiece, while Hightower and Zach Moore picked up half a sack each.
New England’s high defensive performance that day also included a Rob Ninkovich 15-yard return on Jay Cutler’s fumble and a Darrelle Revis interception.
DJ Williams and Christian Jones added 10 total tackles apiece for Chicago, while Lamarr Houston recorded a sack.
AND NOW
The New England Patriots will travel to Soldier Field on Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018 to take on the Chicago Bears. Game time is set for 1pm.
Follow Megan on Twitter: @carnahanmegan
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