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Missed tackles tell the story of the Patriots’ loss to the Bears

After allowing 30 points to Chicago, the Patriots missed 16 tackles, twice the eight they gave up in a win over the Jets the week before. The Bears’ offense, led by quarterback Caleb Williams, racked up 308 passing yards and two touchdowns, while Luther Burden III posted 130 receiving yards and a score on just four catches.

Running back D’Andre Swift and backup Roschon Johnson combined for a ground attack that averaged only 3.1 yards after contact, a figure that eclipsed the league‑leading 3.0 yards per attempt by Kansas City’s Kenneth Walker. New England’s defensive line generated 25 pressures and three sacks, but missed assignments allowed Williams to extend plays and find tight end Colston Loveland for a go‑ahead touchdown after shedding a Marcus Jones tackle.

Coach Mike Vrabel and cornerback Christian Gonzalez both emphasized the need to improve tackling and force turnovers after the loss.

The Patriots’ struggle to shed blocks and maintain leverage against the Bears’ physicality was evident throughout the game, with Burden’s early success and Williams’ ability to escape near‑sacks highlighting the gap. Vrabel called the tackling lapses “fundamental” and promised corrections, while Jones admitted personal responsibility for his missed assignments.

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