The Chicago Bears bounced back in a big way last Sunday, getting a big win over the Atlanta Falcons, as multiple key players including Caleb Williams and Kyler Gordon returned to the lineup.
Williams played great as the team’s franchise quarterback, and Gordon had a career day on just 17 snaps, recording 3 sacks during his limited play. Chicago bouncing back not only in the win column, but with standout individual performances, makes the Thursday Night Football matchup against the New England Patriots that much more intriguing.
New England has found their stride over the last several weeks, on their way to a 4-2 record, mainly behind a strong defense while overcoming injuries on offense. The Patriots will come into the game against Chicago banged
up across the board, but there are still very key high-level matchups between the superstars for both teams coming off a short week.
Bears CB Jaylon Johnson vs. Patriots WR A.J. Brown
Jaylon Johnson hasn't played at his absolute best this season, but he and the Bears secondary held Drake London in check in the Week 6 victory. Coming into the game against Chicago, London was a real threat for 100+ yards but was held to just over 60 in the game, and Johnson played a big role in that. On the opposite side of the Bears top corner will be A.J. Brown, who the Patriots just got back from injury, and in his return he had three receptions on 10 targets, for just 27 yards. Brown is looking to find his return to normal form, and Johnson has to put the clamps on him for it.
Bears DE Austin Booker vs. Patriots LT Will Campbell
Kyler Gordon stole the show when it comes to pass rush success last week against Atlanta, but Austin Booker had three tackles in the game, leaving room for plenty to be desired. Will Campbell was New England's first-round pick last year and looks the part of a franchise left tackle, so the battle will be in order for the Booker to look and get to quarterback Drake Maye. Booker has a great chance to advance his development while Montez Sweat is serving the second game of a two-game suspension.
Bears WR Luther Burden III vs. Patriots CB Christian Gonzalez
Christian Gonzalez was paid as one of the top NFL cornerbacks coming into this season, so while Chicago's secondary against A.J. Brown is appointment viewing, Burden and Gonzalez could be the best matchup of the entire game. Even with three different quarterbacks, the second-year receiver has continued to progress and make right by many who believed he was a breakout candidate this season. With Caleb Williams on the field, Burden is a very dangerous weapon and the leading receiver for a high-powered passing offense.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: 3 key matchups for Bears vs. Patriots in Week 7 prime-time game
