Nov 3, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) towards the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Photos A gathering with the host Chicago Bears on Sunday afternoon will carry extra which means than the everyday regular-season recreation for New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye.
Maye, chosen third general on this yr’s draft, is about to go up towards No. 1 general choose and fellow signal-caller Caleb Williams in a battle of pals turned foes. The 2 turned acquainted with one another earlier than breaking into the NFL, however Maye will attempt to deal with Sunday like enterprise as traditional.
“I believe each as rookies, popping out as quarterbacks, you spend a number of time with these guys. You see them, some on visits, some on the mix. Actually, with Caleb, I’ve seen him since highschool,” Maye stated. “We saved up with one another in school. We have been pals, and I loved watching him do his factor.
“Now I get an opportunity to compete. So anytime you are going towards a rookie quarterback in the identical class, or any quarterback in your class basically, it is slightly additional.”
Each quarterbacks have already needed to face their fair proportion of adversity, with Maye proudly owning a 1-3 report as a starter whereas Williams is 4-4.
Many of the hassle that Williams and the Bears (4-4) have run into came visiting the previous two video games. Chicago was blown out 29-9 by the Arizona Cardinals final Sunday after falling 18-15 to the Washington Commanders on Oct. 27.
A 3rd straight loss would not sit proper with Bears coach Matt Eberflus.
“Everytime you lose two in a row within the NFL, there’s at all times a heightened sense of urgency as a result of it’s a must to get that win column again,” Eberflus stated. “That was no completely different than early within the yr after we misplaced a pair in a row. It is actually the identical. Now we have to seek out solutions and discover options to the place we’re proper now.
“We transfer in the proper course for 3 weeks, after which the final couple, we’ve to verify we discover solutions proper now transferring into this week.”
New England (2-7) almost pulled off a miracle final Sunday, forcing extra time towards the Tennessee Titans when Maye escaped a number of defenders to lob a game-tying 5-yard landing move to Rhamondre Stevenson on the ultimate play of regulation. The additional level made it 17-17.
Nevertheless, Nick People booted a 25-yard subject objective to place Tennessee in entrance within the additional session, then Maye threw a game-ending choose three performs later.
It was the third turnover of the competition for Maye, who is aware of that he must be sharper towards Chicago.
“I believe the Bears’ protection, they’re at all times going to be a bodily protection,” Maye stated. “They’re good up entrance. They’ve some good edge guys. I really feel like each D-line has bought some good guys on the sting. They will go after the soccer; we’re preaching ball safety.”
The Patriots could possibly be with out security Kyle Dugger (ankle) and linebacker Christian Elliss (stomach) on Sunday. Each gamers missed follow on Wednesday, whereas defensive finish Keion White (knee) was amongst these restricted.
Six injured Bears missed follow on Wednesday, together with security Jaquan Brisker (concussion), defensive deal with Andrew Billings (pectoral) and defensive again Jaylon Jones (shoulder). Defensive finish Montez Sweat (shin) practiced in a restricted capability, as did 4 others.
–Area Stage Media