The Chicago Bears were furious after last week's loss. Now, they might just be dejected after getting destroyed 51-23 in New England in a game that was over before halftime.
- Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski have played a lot of dominant games together. We're not sure they ever played a better first half than Sunday's against Chicago, piling up 38 points. Brady had as many touchdowns (five) as incompletions in 35 attempts, and those incompletions included two drops and a throwaway.
Gronkowski looked like a man among boys, dragging defenders around the field and hauling in tightly covered passes. The Patriots didn't punt until the score was 45-7 late in the third quarter. Brady has 14 touchdowns and no picks since his Kansas City meltdown.
- The Patriots have gone no-huddle at times this year, but not nearly at the pace they played the first half Sunday. This was 2011-2012 Patriots'-level speed, and it's partly because their young personnel has a handle on the offense. Tim Wright (six grabs) and Brandon LaFell (11 catches for 124 yards) were big keys to the passing attack.
- Chicago's defense looked improved to start the year, but they are really struggling now without Lance Briggs on the field. LaFell beat rookie Kyle Fuller like a drum early in the game before Fuller left with a hip injury. Lamarr Houston and Jared Allen didn't put pressure on the passer ... again.
- The Bears are 3-5 and heading toward an uncomfortable bye week. And then they go to Green Bay. In short: Things are only going to get uglier.
- New England's pass defense entered this game No. 1 in yards allowed and did a nice job against Chicago's big receivers. Brandon Browner has added a physical element to the group. Darrelle Revis had a nice day against Brandon Marshall.
- Remember when Gronk didn't look like himself early in the season? His return to health has been the single biggest reason the Patriots' offense has turned it around. He looks like the best tight end in the league again after 149 yards and three scores. New England worked more two tight end sets with Wright.
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