The Chicago Bears will face the New England Patriots on Thursday Night Football, where Chicago's defense will face a tall order against Drake Maye and this New England offense.
Even with two of their top superstars, linebacker T.J. Edwards and edge rusher Montez Sweat missing last week's game, the Bears defense played inspired football in their win over the Atlanta Falcons. Chicago's defense has had plenty of questions to prove week in and week out, with head coach Ben Johnson praising the work they've done, calling them a "no-name defense" where they're not led by just one superstar name.
Statistically, the Bears rank seventh in overall team defense, a surprising stat based off of the fact that there is no true superstar for them leading the way.
Kyler Gordon dominated in just 17 snaps last week against the Falcons, totaling three sacks and a forced fumble, making up for the loss of Sweat who is serving a two-game suspension, which will end following the game against New England.
Here are the top defensive keys for the Bears as they take on a Patriots offense that is down multiple offensive linemen.
Get after Drake Maye
The Patriots have multiple offensive linemen injured and out of the lineup for this game, and that's going to make life difficult for Drake Maye, even if Chicago doesn't feature a star-studded pass rush. Maye has already thrown seven interceptions on the season and has been sacked 11 times, so if the Bears can take advantage of a depleted offensive line, they can force a long night for New England's offense.
Use Kyler Gordon effectively
One of the most effective individual performances across the NFL this season, defensive back Kyler Gordon shined for the Bears last week when he had three sacks and two forced fumbles in the win over Atlanta last week. With Montez Sweat serving the second of a two-game suspension, Dennis Allen should dial up similar pressures and opportunities for Gordon to not only get after the quarterback but also make plays in the passing game if dropped into coverage.
Take away A.J. Brown
With Romeo Doubs placed on injured reserve, the Patriots will have DeMario Douglas as their defacto second receiver in the passing game, although tight end Hunter Henry should see an increase in volume targets. With A.J. Brown returning from injury in Week 6, the Bears will have to focus on taking him out of the passing game, similar to how they contained Drake London in their win last Sunday, then they should make life difficult for New England's passing offense to get anything going.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: 3 keys for Bears defense vs. the Patriots in Week 7
