Patriots Fall 30-24 to Bears After Stevenson’s 48‑Yard Halftime Catch
Coaches say the big play highlighted Rhamondre Stevenson’s receiving breakout while exposing a failure to run the ball and instability on the offensive line.
Overview
- Chicago held off New England in a 30-24 win at Soldier Field after the Patriots closed the gap late in the game on Thursday night.
- New England ran a practiced end-of-half play that produced a 48-yard touchdown pass to Rhamondre Stevenson and raised the team’s win probability from about 10% to 24%, according to Next Gen Stats.
- Stevenson finished with a career-best 93 receiving yards and five catches, providing the Patriots’ biggest explosive play of the night.
- The Patriots managed only 44 rushing yards on 13 carries, a 3.4-yard average, and used third- and fourth-string linemen Walter Rouse and Matt Pryor in key spots that contributors said hurt run blocking.
- Coach Mike Vrabel and quarterback Drake Maye publicly said the team must improve the running game and stabilize line personnel, a focus that will shape practice priorities and personnel decisions going forward.