New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel understands that his team is approaching a daunting matchup against the Chicago Bears in Week 7 that will test his unit by way of the Bears’ physicality and defensive cohesion.
According to Patriots Wire’s Sophie Weller, Vrabel spoke highly of the Bears' defense when assessing what he and his team will need to prepare for on Thursday night.
“They’re physical. It’s a physical football team,” Vrabel said when asked to provide a scouting report. “Defensively, they’re connected. They play really well as a unit. Whether that’s the pressure that they are able to create, and the moving parts and the coverage concepts that they have to go with it.”
Chicago has allowed 1,368 passing yards and nine passing touchdowns to opposing offenses this season. The Bears’ ability to generate pressure and execute their coverage schemes will present a significant challenge for New England’s passing attack.
Against the run, Chicago has surrendered 543 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns this season. The Patriots will look to exploit opportunities on the ground while managing a defense Vrabel described as physical and well-coordinated.
New England’s offensive execution and ability to handle Chicago’s pressure may prove to be a critical difference-making factor for the team as they prepare for the matchup. Drake Maye has returned to All-Pro form over the course of the last three weeks, while the team welcomed back its No. 1 receiver A.J. Brown in Week 6. However, Romeo Doubs was placed on IR for at least the next four weeks, and the offensive line has injuries mounting.
Vrabel and the Patriots will head to Chicago to play the Bears in a critical road game in primetime and look to improve to 5-2 on the year.
Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.
This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Patriots coach Mike Vrabel's blunt assessment of Bears' defense