Given that the New England Patriots were 8.5-point favorites against the Chicago Bears, a 33-14 final score in Monday night’s game wouldn’t have been particularly surprising. But Chicago beating New England by that margin? Not many people saw that one coming.
The Bears jumped out to a 10-0 lead in the first quarter. After an interception, the Patriots benched returning starting quarterback Mac Jones in favor of Bailey Zappe.
The fans at Gillette Stadium were happy about that change and it paid immediate dividends, with Zappe leading New England to two quick touchdowns and a 14-10 lead.
Chicago regained control, taking a 20-14 lead at halftime. The Bears built on their lead in the third quarter, thanks to a pair of Cairo Santos field goals. Then, a touchdown run from David Montgomery early in the fourth quarter effectively put the game out of reach.
"What a night for the ground game of the Bears." pic.twitter.com/dqpaJ2acNI
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) October 25, 2022
Zappe did not have a miracle comeback — or even a big garbage-time performance — in him. Whatever magic he had when replacing Jones in the first half was gone by the fourth quarter. The Bears intercepted Zappe twice in the final 15 minutes.
In fact, if anything, the game could have been worse. The Bears were on the brink of scoring again in the game’s final seconds but opted to take a knee, much to the chagrin of Peyton Manning.
"Do not take a knee."
Peyton wanted the Bears to run it up on the Patriots 😂#ManningCast pic.twitter.com/upErjWMfNZ
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) October 25, 2022
A shocking result like Monday’s was bound to get some big reactions. That’s exactly what happened here. Fans of both teams, as well as several neutral observers, had a lot to say about Monday night’s blowout.
Truly awful Patriots loss. Absolutely demolished on D. Coaching was abysmal on both sides. Starting rusty/limpy Mac at home was dumb. Just a debacle. Eberflus did a great job too.
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) October 25, 2022
The Chicago Bears have scored 30+ points in prime time and I am expecting my alarm clock to wake me up any second
— Chicago Football Connection (@CFCBears) October 25, 2022
#Bears are out-coaching and out-quarterbacking the Patriots. This is dramatic.
— Mark Grote (@markgrotesports) October 25, 2022
Honestly, I can't remember a more surprising Bears game than this.
Winning it, even barely, would've been a huge surprise. Doing so in such dominant fashion is… it's hard to even process. https://t.co/NWeHxToZtQ
— Matt Clapp (@DaBearNecess) October 25, 2022
Just thought about all 30 other teams in the NFL watching this and thinking “oh so the Patriots really stink”
— Football (@BostonConnr) October 25, 2022
Bears — in every phase — have pulled a Belichick on Belichick. Patriots getting worked.
— Colin Cowherd (@ColinCowherd) October 25, 2022
