Two Patriots Penalties Against Bears Reveal Bigger Problem for Mike Vrabel image
Two Patriots Penalties Against Bears Reveal Bigger Problem for Mike Vrabel image
The New England Patriots had plenty of reasons to be frustrated after Thursday night's 30-24 loss to the Chicago Bears. Drake Maye threw a costly interception, the defense struggled to get off the field, and the offense couldn't finish its comeback.
But two penalties on one fourth-quarter possession deserve more attention.
The Patriots were in position to threaten Chicago's lead when mistakes along the offensive line changed the entire situation. What should have been an opportunity to move the chains became another reminder that New England has work to do beyond its quarterback play.
Two Flags That Changed Everything
New England was trailing 27-21 when it got another opportunity to take the lead. The defense had forced Chicago into a three-and-out, giving Maye and the offense a chance to turn the game around.
Mike Vrabel on Drake Maye: "I thought he really competed...Gave us a chance...I'm glad he's ours." - @CLNSMedia https://t.co/w0rlRFhDcb
The Patriots faced third-and-1 when offensive tackle Will Campbell was flagged for a false start. The penalty erased what could have been a manageable opportunity to pick up the first down and instead pushed New England into a more difficult situation.
Maye responded with a four-yard scramble, setting up fourth-and-2 near midfield.
That should have given Mike Vrabel an interesting decision. New England needed only two yards, had a quarterback capable of extending plays and was chasing a six-point deficit.
Then came another flag.
Matt Pryor was called for a false start, pushing the Patriots back five more yards. Instead of attempting fourth-and-2, New England faced fourth-and-7 and ultimately punted. The sequence didn't produce the dramatic highlight that Stevenson's touchdown provided earlier in the game. It might have been just as important.
The Patriots Cannot Keep Making Maye's Job Harder
Maye completed 24 of 31 passes for 321 yards against Chicago. He threw two touchdowns, added another on the ground and repeatedly found ways to create offense when the pocket became uncomfortable. The numbers were impressive, even with the interception.
Yet New England finished with only 50 offensive snaps compared with Chicago's 66. The Bears controlled stretches of the game, leaving the Patriots with fewer opportunities to recover from mistakes. That makes penalties on critical downs particularly damaging.
The Patriots don't have to be perfect offensively, but they cannot repeatedly create difficult situations when manageable ones are available. A third-and-1 should be an opportunity to sustain a possession, not the beginning of a series of mistakes that ends with a punt.
The offensive line deserves credit for helping Maye produce another 300-yard passing performance against a talented opponent. There were encouraging moments, including the quarterback's ability to escape pressure and find Hunter Henry downfield.
But the same group must improve its discipline.
An Extra Few Days Could Make a Difference
New England won't play again until November 1, when it travels to face the Miami Dolphins. The extended break following Thursday Night Football gives Vrabel and his coaching staff additional time to examine the mistakes that contributed to the Chicago loss.
That preparation should include more than correcting Maye's interception or discussing the defense's struggles. The Patriots are 4-3 and remain firmly in the AFC playoff conversation. Their quarterback has shhown that he can produce explosive plays and keep New England competitive against difficult opponents.
Now the offense must make sure the smaller details don't erase those advantages. Sometimes the most important plays in a football game aren't the spectacular catches or long touchdowns.
Sometimes they're the five yards a team gives away before the ball is even snapped.
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