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Patriots defense gifted huge opportunity from Bears with latest injury update

By Sara Marshall

August 8, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr. (91) celebrates his sack against the Carolina Panthers during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
August 8, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr. (91) celebrates his sack against the Carolina Panthers during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images / Eric Canha-Imagn Images
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The unexpected, highly-anticipated Week 10 matchup between the Patriots and the Bears just got a lot more interesting in the hours leading up to the game. Besides the inevitable headlines from the 2024 first-overall pick going against the third-overall pick for the first time in their careers, how these teams will fare after differing seasons thus far will surely be another storyline to watch.

Just a few weeks ago, if anyone were asked to predict the outcome of this game, it would be easy to say the Bears walk out with the win in dominant form. That might not be the case anymore, however, as rumored tensions behind closed doors after back-to-back losses have plagued the locker room in recent weeks.

On top of that, injuries across their offense puts Caleb Williams' success into question.

Prior to Sunday morning, the Bears had already ruled out three offensive linemen: Kiran Amegadjie, Braxton Jones, and Darnell Wright. Hours before kickoff, they ruled out another, Nate Davis, who is reportedly dealing with a back injury. That's a massive hit to Williams' protection and a big gift for the Patriots' defense to (hopefully) take advantage of.

New England's defensive line has not been very good this season, mainly due to the absences of defensive tackle Christian Barmore and linebacker Ja'Whaun Bentley.

They have experimented extensively with shuffling players throughout the season to accommodate the losses to the best of their ability, and some of it has worked, but they have yet to have an opportunity like what they should have against the Bears on Sunday to take advantage of an even weaker group.

This would take a lot of pressure off the offense to go above and beyond in hopes of keeping the Patriots in the game. Typically, it has been the defense's job to do that. However, with the Bears' dealing with backup offensive linemen, it should be an easier day for New England's defense, and it would be great to see that come to fruition.

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