Patriots holding onto positives after 3-game win streak is snapped by Bears

The Patriots’ three-game win streak ended with a 30–24 loss to the Chicago Bears on Thursday night at Soldier Field. Coach Mike Vrabel said New England wasn’t down despite multiple injuries, including two starters on the offensive line on injured reserve. With left guard Alijah Vera-Tucker (hamstring) joining right guard Mike Onwenu (ankle), the Patriots started Matt Pryor and Walter Rouse. Quarterback Drake Maye was sacked twice and finished 24 of 31 for 321 yards, two touchdown passes, and a rushing score. The turning point was his second-quarter interception in the end zone that helped Chicago take a 20–7 lead. New England’s run game fell to 70 yards. Rhamondre Stevenson had five catches for 93 yards, including a 48-yard TD reception. Gabe Jacas drew a roughing-the-passer penalty on Caleb Williams, leading to another Bears TD. Turnovers remained a concern: the Patriots were minus-7 through seven games.