Patriots’ Kevin Byard is prepared for Ben Johnson’s shenanigans on TNF appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The New England Patriots are quite shorthanded on offense following Sunday’s 26-19 victory versus the New York Jets, and they only have a couple days to prepare for a road matchup against the Chicago Bears. Besides the injuries they will have to overcome, the Pats must stay alert when facing an innovative play-caller like head coach Ben Johnson. Veteran safety Kevin Byard regularly battled that offense last season, so he is taking it upon himself to get his teammates in the right mindset.
“I practiced against Ben Johnson’s offense,” the three-time First-Team All-Pro and former Bears star told reporters, per NBC 10 WJAR’s Nicole Menner. “You talk about scheme, and I know Ben, it being Thursday night he’s going to have some stuff up his sleeve. It’s a prime-time game, he’s going to want to show off his expertise, I would say. So, I’m just telling the guys {to have} great discipline, read your keys, play with great eyes, and after that, just fly around, make plays.”
Kevin Byard (who spent the last 2 years on the Bears):
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"I practiced against Ben Johnson's offense. You talk about scheme, and I know Ben, it being Thursday night he's going to have some stuff up his sleeve." pic.twitter.com/oEGZ25d471
— Nicole Menner (@NicoleMenner) October 20, 2026
The Patriots placed Romeo Doubs on injured reserve due to a shoulder issue. A.J. Brown is still shaking off the rust after a long IR stint himself and could experience some discomfort by playing twice in a five-day span. The offensive line is also painfully undermanned, with center Ben Brown and guard Alijah Vera-Tucker both considered doubtful and offensive tackle Morgan Moses questionable after wearing a walking boot on Sunday. New England may need to lean on its defense in Week 7.
Kevin Byard spent two years in Chicago and was a massive part of the franchise’s resurgence last season. He has not enjoyed nearly the same success with the Patriots thus far. The 33-year-old is still searching for his first interception (had seven in 2025 campaign) and is coming off a rough performance in which he missed three tackles versus the Jets.
Byard still boasts loads of experience, however. Even when he is not operating at full capacity in the secondary, No. 31 can still help the defense get organized and composed for the Bears’ tricky offense. He is not going to let Ben Johnson catch New England off guard.
But will his counsel be enough?
Related: Patriots CB takes first step in injury return ahead of TNF clash vs. Bears
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