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New England Patriots Links 12/10/10 - Pats' Secondary Is Primary Against Bears' Fast Offense

By Marima
<em>Forcing turnovers from a recently-stingy Jay Cutler may be the key to a win in Chicago</em>.
Forcing turnovers from a recently-stingy Jay Cutler may be the key to a win in Chicago.

Mike Reiss identifies the key matchup for the Patriots against the Bears:

"It’s the defense against quarterback Jay Cutler. He has 17 touchdowns and 10 interceptions on the season and as of late he’s been playing mistake-free football. This Patriots defense is one that thrives on turnovers. New England is 9-0 this season when on the plus-side of the turnover differential. "

Greg A. Bedard breaks down his three keys to a Patriots victory over the Chicago Bears.

1. Patriots must disguise coverages and confuse Bears QB Jay Cutler.

2. Stay balanced on offense.

3. Contain game-breaker Devin Hester.

Neil Hayes (Chicago Sun-Times) Brian Urlacher has the utmost respect for QB Tom Brady, and remembers what happened the last time he played the Patriots.

"[Brady’s] the best," Urlacher said. "He knows what to do with the football. If you play zone, he throws the check downs. If you put seven in the box, he runs it. He just knows where to go with the football every time. You’re not going to trick him. You may get pressure on him, you may hurt him a little bit, but he’s smart. He has a great arm. He knows everything. Big challenge for us.

"And he runs fast, too. I remember he’s really fast. Good runner."

TEAM TALK

LOCAL LINKS

  • Christopher Price details the preparation, smarts and focus of the Patriots secondary.
  • Mike Petraglia writes about how the Patriots are prepping for the 'ridiculous' Devin Hester and the fastest offense in the NFL.
  • Danny Picard notes the Patriots have already matched their total number of interceptions from last season with 18.
  • Ian Rapoport writes about the invaluable, play-past-the-whistle Logan Mankins, who loves nothing more than to mix it up with defenders.
  • Monique Walker focuses on the toughness and "extra spice" Logan Mankins brings to the O-Line.Christopher Price details the preparation, smarts and focus of the Patriots secondary.
  • Christopher Price tells us the five most important things we need to know about the Patriots from Thursday. Logan Mankins, Shayne Graham, James Sanders and more.
  • Ian Rapoport gives readers a behind-the-scenes look at the taping of 'Patriots All Access' with Scott Zolak and Bill Belichick.
  • Mike Reiss notes Pats' practice squad safety Ross Ventrone earned his 5th straight practice player of the week honor.
  • Mike Reiss looks at the Patriots tackle leader-board and ILB Brandon Spikes really stood out with 7 tackles Monday night.
  • Mike Reiss looks at the special teams tackle leader-board, noting Matthew Slater's rise to the number 2 spot behind Tracy White.
  • Mary Paoletti sees the Patriots focused, but not on the playoffs.
  • Mike Reiss tries to figure out 'the case of the disappearing Moss.'
  • Shalise Manza Young Patriots Notebook: Belichick talks up how disruptive Julius Peppers can be; Shayne Graham, who turned 33 yesterday, says kicking for the Patriots is a dream job; Bears' TE Greg Olsen is a big, vertical threat that will have to be contained; Injury update.
  • Ian Rapoport Patriots Notebook: Rob Ninkovich grew up in the Chicago suburbs; Shayne Graham knows he has to be wary about Devin Hester; Pats will have to contain Bears TE Greg Olsen; A Pats' win will clinch a playoff spot; Injury update.
  • Mike Reiss offers the transcript of his weekly online chat.
  • Boston Globe Staff's Week 14 picks.  All four pick New England to win.
  • Jim Lazar Week 14 NFL picks: Pats over Bears 27-20.

NATIONAL NEWS

VIEW FROM CHICAGO

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