Statistical Breakdown: How the Bears and Patriots Stack Up Before Week 10
As we approach Week 10 of the 2023 NFL season, two storied franchises, the Chicago Bears and the New England Patriots, find themselves in familiar but controversial territory: the bottom of the league standings. Each team has struggled mightily, and a quick statistical breakdown paints a picture of two organizations at a crossroads. But while the Bears are fighting to rebuild, the Patriots’ descent may signal something more shocking—the fading legacy of a once-unassailable dynasty. Here’s how the Bears and Patriots stack up statistically before Week 10—and why each team’s path forward is anything but certain.
Offensive Struggles: Bears vs. Patriots
When it comes to offensive stats, neither the Bears nor the Patriots have much to boast about this season. But it’s clear that the Patriots are suffering a sharper drop-off than the Bears, even as they grapple with similar issues at quarterback and on the offensive line.
The Patriots rank near the bottom of the league in total offense, averaging just over 275 yards per game and under 17 points per game—placing them squarely in the bottom five teams league-wide. Much of this struggle can be attributed to poor performances from quarterback Mac Jones, who has posted career-low numbers in both completion percentage and yards per attempt. To make matters worse, the offensive line has failed to protect Jones, allowing over three sacks per game on average.
The Bears, though not far ahead in terms of overall production, are showing signs of life. They’ve seen flashes of brilliance from Justin Fields, who brings a dual-threat capability that Mac Jones simply doesn’t have. When Fields has been on the field, Chicago’s offense has been able to reach the mid-20s in scoring, something the Patriots have struggled to do consistently. Despite similar challenges in the trenches, the Bears rank higher in rushing yards per game (over 130 yards) compared to the Patriots (around 90 yards), suggesting at least one area where Chicago has found a relative strength.
Controversial Take: The Patriots’ inability to generate offense with Bill Belichick at the helm is as baffling as it is concerning. The aging coach has long insisted on a “do-your-job” mentality, but it’s not translating to wins. Some fans are questioning whether Belichick’s time as a head coach should end—a conversation unheard of a few short years ago.
Defensive Decline: Two Different Stories
On defense, both teams have struggled, but the reasons behind their shortcomings differ in ways that reveal deep organizational issues.
The Patriots entered the season with high expectations for their defense, and while they’ve had bright moments, injuries to key players like Matthew Judon and Christian Gonzalez have derailed their performance. New England’s defense allows nearly 23 points per game, putting them squarely in the middle of the league. The secondary, once a team strength, has been exposed without Gonzalez’s lockdown coverage, and the pass rush has been ineffective without Judon.
The Bears, meanwhile, have one of the worst pass defenses in the league, allowing a staggering 270 passing yards per game. Chicago’s secondary has been shredded week after week, with little improvement. Although they’ve recently made trades to improve the front seven, the Bears lack the consistent pass-rushing threat needed to support a struggling secondary.
Controversial Take: For the Patriots, having a middle-of-the-pack defense is a shocking disappointment considering Belichick’s reputation as a defensive mastermind. On the other hand, Chicago’s defensive woes, while expected during a rebuild, still highlight the franchise’s failure to draft and develop defensive talent. In a league driven by defense, both franchises appear ill-equipped to compete.
Coaching: Is Belichick the Problem?
The coaching discrepancy between these two teams adds another layer of controversy. Matt Eberflus, the Bears’ head coach, has come under fire, but Chicago’s rebuild allows some leeway for growing pains. Still, Eberflus’s conservative play-calling and lack of effective halftime adjustments have frustrated fans and analysts alike, calling into question whether he’s the right fit for Fields and the future of the Bears’ offense.
Then there’s Bill Belichick, a man who has seemingly transcended criticism—until now. The Patriots’ lackluster season has prompted a louder-than-ever debate about whether Belichick’s rigid style is outdated. Reports of locker-room discontent and growing frustration among players have fueled speculation that Belichick’s authoritarian coaching may no longer work with today’s generation of players. The recent disastrous personnel decisions, such as letting go of talented players only to fill their spots with questionable replacements, has led to calls for Belichick to step down.
Controversial Take: Belichick’s insistence on complete control—both as head coach and general manager—is now hurting the team. With each loss, his job security becomes less certain. If New England’s season continues to spiral, don’t be surprised if the once-untouchable Belichick faces serious pressure from ownership to either step back or step away.
Future Outlook: Which Team Has Hope?
While neither team has a bright short-term outlook, the Bears arguably have more to look forward to. With a young, mobile quarterback in Justin Fields, multiple early-round draft picks, and cap space to work with, Chicago’s future is somewhat in its control. However, the Bears’ success will depend on front-office decisions, and any continued dysfunction in player development could ruin their chances of building a competitive roster.
The Patriots’ future is less promising. Mac Jones hasn’t shown the progress many expected, and Belichick’s stubbornness on both play-calling and personnel decisions could lead the team into an extended downturn. Without a young QB with Fields’ upside, New England faces an existential crisis: continue with the Belichick era or start from scratch, a notion that was once unthinkable.
Final Controversial Take: In the short term, the Bears may face just as many struggles as the Patriots, but Chicago’s franchise trajectory is more favorable. The Patriots, on the other hand, could be heading toward an unprecedented era of losing if they don’t make significant changes soon. Belichick’s iron grip on the team may ultimately be what keeps New England in the past while other franchises build for the future.
In conclusion, while both the Bears and Patriots have endured tough seasons, it’s New England that may have more reason to worry. The Bears at least have a potential franchise QB and a clean slate to work with. For the Patriots, however, the question isn’t just about winning—it’s about facing the possibility that the golden era is over.
