Five bold predictions as the Patriots play Chicago on Monday night

Another week of going 3-2 with my five bold predictions that I was hoping could at least go 4-1 but that’s how it goes sometimes. Rhamondre Stevenson had a good day with two rushing touchdowns but was held under 100 yards. The Patriots finally dusted off Hunter Henry and what do you know, he found pay dirt. The maligned rush defense held Nick Chubb under 100 yards although Ja’Whaun Bentley didn’t quite have the impact I thought he would. Finally, it was indeed Bailey Zappe who got the start and performed well, racking up over 300 passing yards and two touchdowns.

As the Patriots go for their third victory in a row on Monday, it is still unclear who may start at quarterback. Mac Jones is one of 12 Patriots listed as questionable, but reports point to him getting the nod. Here are my five bold predictions for what might happen during the game on Monday night.

Five bold predictions for the Patriots in week seven

Patriots defense registers at least 3 sacks

Even though Matthew Judon was held without a sack for the first time this season, the Patriots defense was able to register four sacks of Cleveland quarterback Jacoby Brissett last week. That ups the season total to 17 sacks after six weeks. While Judon gets most of recognition due to being second in the NFL with six sacks, Deatrich Wise has been a huge reason for the increased success of the defense so far this season. Wise added a sack last week to increase his total to five for the season, matching a career-high set during his rookie season of 2017.

This week they get a Bears offense that has not been good at all through six weeks. Chicago ranks 31st in points, 32nd in passing yards and 27th in turnovers. The receivers have not been good at creating separation and for as well as the offensive line has done run blocking, they have been just as bad in pass protection. Quarterback Justin Fields has been sacked a league-leading 23 times this year and I see that number going up on Monday.

Five bold predictions for the Patriots in week seven

Rhamondre Stevenson runs for at least two touchdowns

Stevenson has broken out the past two weeks while fellow back Damien Harris has been out with a hamstring injury. Although Harris has been back practicing this week and seems to be in play for Monday, I think if he does play it will be in a limited role. After only finding the endzone once in the first five weeks, Stevenson was able to break off two touchdown runs last week and should see more red zone carries going forward.

This week he gets another poor run defense in the Bears who rank 29th in the league both in rushing yards allowed (978 yards) and rushing touchdowns allowed (9). I expect the Patriots to run the ball a lot on Monday, especially if there is bad weather, so Stevenson should get his chances to find the end zone multiple times.

Five bold predictions for the Patriots in week seven

Patriots hold Justin Fields under 150 yards passing

Outside of the game against the Baltimore Ravens, the Patriots defense has been really good in 2022. This has especially been true when it comes to playing the pass as their strong pass rush has been complemented by a strong secondary. Opponents have only completed 58.6% of their passes against the Patriots and a lot of passing yards the past two weeks have come in garbage time.

This week, they get a Bears offense with a weak passing game both at quarterback and at receiver. Fields completes just over 50% of his passes and only one receiver has over 200 yards (Darnell Mooney, 241). The last time the Patriots faced a quarterback like this was back in week two and they held Mitch Trubisky to only 151 passing yards in that win. I can see them coming to play in front of a national audience and holding Fields under the 150-yard mark.

Five bold predictions for the Patriots in week seven

Tyquan Thornton leads the team in receiving yards

Last week we saw rookie wide receiver Tyquan Thornton break out after missing four weeks and playing a limited role in week five. He was able to haul in four of his five targets for 37 yards and his first career touchdown.

While Jakobi Meyers is Mr. Reliable in the middle of the field, Thornton brings the Patriots a deep ball element they haven’t had since Brandin Cooks in 2017. If Thornton is able to get free and the line provides enough time to throw, I think Thornton can pick up chunk yardage and lead the Patriots in receiving. Now, who will be throwing him the ball?

Five bold predictions for the Patriots in week seven

Both Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe see the field on Monday

You want a quarterback controversy? I think we can see both quarterbacks get some playing time on Monday. Jones is pushing to get back onto the field and reports are that he’ll be the starter once he is back.

But is he healthy now? I can see the Patriots starting Zappe one more time knowing they have Jones ready in case the rookie struggles against a stout Bears passing defense. I can also see the Patriots starting Jones but taking him out if he is ineffective after being out for three weeks.