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Good, Better, Best: Bears' game balls in statement win vs. Patriots
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- Good, Better, Best: Bears' game balls in statement win vs. Patriots
The Chicago Bears defeated the New England Patriots, 30-24, in a statement win on Thursday Night Football to improve to 5-2 on the season. It was the first of three consecutive prime-time games, although they have a 10-day break before battling the Seattle Seahawks on Monday Night Football in Week 8.
It was ugly at times, despite the fact that the Bears led for the entire game. Penalties were once again an issue, as well as some drops, the pass defense struggled, the defensive line struggled to take advantage of a banged-up Patriots offensive line, tight end Cole Kmet suffered a knee injury that was a brutal blow for the offense and Cairo Santos' single doink nearly cost them the game -- until he kicked them to victory.
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We're handing out our game balls to three standout performers, from good to better to best, in the Bears' Week 7 win, and none of them should come as a surprise.
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (15) is tackled by the New England Patriots at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
(Matt Marton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III (10) runs for a touchdown against the New England Patriots at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Colston Loveland (84) celebrates after place kicker Cairo Santos (8) makes a field goal against the New England Patriots during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker D'Marco Jackson (48) celebrates with teammates after making an interception against the New England Patriots at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift (4) runs the ball against the New England Patriots during the fourth quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA;New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) is tackled by Chicago Bears linebacker Devin Bush (12) during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
(Matt Marton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) passes against New England Patriots linebacker Robert Spillane (14) during the fourth quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) looks to pass against the New England Patriots during the fourth quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III (10) runs for a touchdown against the New England Patriots at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift (4) runs off the field after the game against the New England Patriots at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker D'Marco Jackson (48) celebrates making an interception against the New England Patriots at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears place kicker Cairo Santos (8) kicks an extra point against the New England Patriots at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
(Matt Marton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) runs the ball against the New England Patriots during the third quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) and Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) hug after the game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Colston Loveland (84) is tackled by New England Patriots safety Jaylen Reed (23) during the third quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) scrambles against New England Patriots linebacker Christian Elliss (53) during the fourth quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears place kicker Cairo Santos (8) celebrates with teammates after making a field goal against the New England Patriots during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson looks on during the first half against the New England Patriots at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; New England Patriots tight end Eli Raridon (82) runs the ball agisnt Chicago Bears linebacker D'Marco Jackson (48) during the first half cat Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III (10) scores a touchdown against the New England Patriots during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
(Matt Marton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson looks on prior to the game against the New England Patriots at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Colston Loveland (84) takes the field prior to the game against the New England Patriots at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet (85) takes the field prior to the game against the New England Patriots at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Kalif Raymond (14) takes the field prior to the game against the New England Patriots at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III (10) takes the field prior to the game against the New England Patriots at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III (10) takes the field prior to the game against the New England Patriots at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (15) takes the field prior to the game against the New England Patriots at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) takes the field prior to the game against the New England Patriots at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Mike Ditka is remembered prior to the game between New England Patriots and Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears defensive line Grady Jarrett (50) celebrates with teammates after making a stop against the New England Patriots on fourth down during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; New England Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson (32) runs the ball against Chicago Bears defensive back Kyler Gordon (6) during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
(Matt Marton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) fakes handing off the ball off to running back D'Andre Swift (4) against the New England Patriots during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears kicker Cairo Santos (8) makes a field goal against the New England Patriots during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) passes against the New England Patriots during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift (4) runs for a touchdown against the New England Patriots during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift (4) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown against the New England Patriots during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
(Matt Marton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker Devin Bush (12) and linebacker Noah Sewell (44) tackle New England Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson (32) during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) is sacked by Chicago Bears linebacker D'Marco Jackson (48) and cornerback Clark Phillips III (20) at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
(Matt Marton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson talks with an official during the first half against the New England Patriots at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker D'Marco Jackson (48) celebrates making an interception against the New England Patriots at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from Bears' statement win over the Patriots in Week 7
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (15) is tackled by the New England Patriots at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
(Matt Marton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from Bears' statement win over the Patriots in Week 7
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (15) is tackled by the New England Patriots at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
(Matt Marton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Caleb Williams has been perfect targeting Bears WR Luther Burden
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III (10) runs for a touchdown against the New England Patriots at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from Bears' statement win over the Patriots in Week 7
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Colston Loveland (84) celebrates after place kicker Cairo Santos (8) makes a field goal against the New England Patriots during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from Bears' statement win over the Patriots in Week 7
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker D'Marco Jackson (48) celebrates with teammates after making an interception against the New England Patriots at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Statistical Breakdown: How Bears and Seahawks stack up before Week 8
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift (4) runs the ball against the New England Patriots during the fourth quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from Bears' statement win over the Patriots in Week 7
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA;New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) is tackled by Chicago Bears linebacker Devin Bush (12) during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
(Matt Marton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from Bears' statement win over the Patriots in Week 7
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) passes against New England Patriots linebacker Robert Spillane (14) during the fourth quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Fantasy football starts and sits for Chicago Bears players in Week 8
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) looks to pass against the New England Patriots during the fourth quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Ben Johnson discusses what makes Bears WR Luther Burden such a threat
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III (10) runs for a touchdown against the New England Patriots at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from Bears' statement win over the Patriots in Week 7
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift (4) runs off the field after the game against the New England Patriots at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from Bears' statement win over the Patriots in Week 7
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker D'Marco Jackson (48) celebrates making an interception against the New England Patriots at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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7 takeaways from the Bears' statement win over the Patriots
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears place kicker Cairo Santos (8) kicks an extra point against the New England Patriots at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
(Matt Marton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears QB Caleb Williams taking a stand with Caddix cleats
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) runs the ball against the New England Patriots during the third quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears-Patriots Week 7 matchup made history on Thursday Night Football
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) and Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) hug after the game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from Bears' statement win over the Patriots in Week 7
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Colston Loveland (84) is tackled by New England Patriots safety Jaylen Reed (23) during the third quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from Bears' statement win over the Patriots in Week 7
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) scrambles against New England Patriots linebacker Christian Elliss (53) during the fourth quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from Bears' statement win over the Patriots in Week 7
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears place kicker Cairo Santos (8) celebrates with teammates after making a field goal against the New England Patriots during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Ben Johnson sounds off on Bears TE Cole Kmet's season-ending injury
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson looks on during the first half against the New England Patriots at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from Bears' statement win over the Patriots in Week 7
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; New England Patriots tight end Eli Raridon (82) runs the ball agisnt Chicago Bears linebacker D'Marco Jackson (48) during the first half cat Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from Bears' statement win over the Patriots in Week 7
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III (10) scores a touchdown against the New England Patriots during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
(Matt Marton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Ben Johnson got honest about Bears defense's execution vs. Patriots
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson looks on prior to the game against the New England Patriots at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from Bears' statement win over the Patriots in Week 7
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Colston Loveland (84) takes the field prior to the game against the New England Patriots at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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7 takeaways from the Bears' statement win over the Patriots
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet (85) takes the field prior to the game against the New England Patriots at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Kalif Raymond filling ideal complementary role for Chicago Bears
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Kalif Raymond (14) takes the field prior to the game against the New England Patriots at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from Bears' statement win over the Patriots in Week 7
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III (10) takes the field prior to the game against the New England Patriots at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Luther Burden pumped up after Bears' trade for Jeffery Simmons
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III (10) takes the field prior to the game against the New England Patriots at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from Bears' statement win over the Patriots in Week 7
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (15) takes the field prior to the game against the New England Patriots at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Ben Johnson explains what he loves about Bears QB Caleb Williams
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) takes the field prior to the game against the New England Patriots at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from Bears' statement win over the Patriots in Week 7
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Mike Ditka is remembered prior to the game between New England Patriots and Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from Bears' statement win over the Patriots in Week 7
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears defensive line Grady Jarrett (50) celebrates with teammates after making a stop against the New England Patriots on fourth down during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from Bears' statement win over the Patriots in Week 7
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; New England Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson (32) runs the ball against Chicago Bears defensive back Kyler Gordon (6) during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
(Matt Marton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from Bears' statement win over the Patriots in Week 7
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) fakes handing off the ball off to running back D'Andre Swift (4) against the New England Patriots during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Cairo Santos convinced Bears HC Ben Johnson to let him kick 58-yard FG
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears kicker Cairo Santos (8) makes a field goal against the New England Patriots during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Where the Chicago Bears rank statistically heading into Week 8
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) passes against the New England Patriots during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from Bears' statement win over the Patriots in Week 7
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift (4) runs for a touchdown against the New England Patriots during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from Bears' statement win over the Patriots in Week 7
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift (4) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown against the New England Patriots during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
(Matt Marton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Ben Johnson sounds off on Bears' run defense vs. Patriots
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker Devin Bush (12) and linebacker Noah Sewell (44) tackle New England Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson (32) during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Examining the Bears' defense numbers through 7 weeks, analytically
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) is sacked by Chicago Bears linebacker D'Marco Jackson (48) and cornerback Clark Phillips III (20) at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
(Matt Marton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from Bears' statement win over the Patriots in Week 7
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson talks with an official during the first half against the New England Patriots at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Week 8 picks: Who the experts are taking in Bears vs. Seahawks
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker D'Marco Jackson (48) celebrates making an interception against the New England Patriots at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Good: Cairo Santos
For a minute there, kicker Cairo Santos was poised to be one of the reasons why the Bears might've lost to the Patriots after he missed a 53-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter, leaving the door open for a New England comeback with Chicago up six points. But Santos got an opportunity for redemption -- and he managed to convince head coach Ben Johnson to let him do it -- when he booted the eventual game-winning 58-yard field goal, which was a career-long. Santos went from zero to hero in a matter of two possessions, and it helped stave off a talented Patriots squad.
Better: WR Luther Burden III
Don't look now, but second-year wide receiver Luther Burden III is developing into a star for the Bears offense. Burden had four receptions for 130 yards and a touchdown in the first half against the Patriots, where he showcased his speed, playmaking ability and why he's one of the top YAC getters in the NFL this season. While Burden wasn't targeted once in the second half, he remains one of Williams' most reliable targets, as Burden has caught all 17 balls thrown his way from Williams this season.
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Best: QB Caleb Williams
On a national stage, quarterback Caleb Williams showcased why he's one of the NFL's biggest stars with a sensational performance against a talented Patriots defense. He had his second straight 300-yard passing performance, and he did it in a different way than Week 6. For all the criticism Williams received for his check downs against the Falcons, he aired it out against New England with some truly special throws, including the shot to Odunze on third-and-long to help extend the drive that put his team up two scores in the final minutes. Williams had eight completions of 20-plus yards against the Patriots, effectively silencing those critics.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Good, Better, Best: Bears' game balls in statement win vs. Patriots
