Bears defense faces new challenge

The Bears defense is about to get a real understanding of what everyone else in the league experiences when they run up against Caleb Williams.

Drake Maye's mobility tested Bears

Facing quarterback Drake Maye and New England's offense Thursday night provides their first real experience this season of playing against a quarterback who extends plays and runs extensively.

Bears defensive coordinator comments

Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen said Drake Maye does an outstanding job with his feet and creates plays down the field.

“I think Drake Maye's one of those guys that does an outstanding job with his feet”

Maye's stats highlight

Maye is seventh in yards per attempt at 8.0 and fifth in average intended air yards according to NextGen Stats.

Bears defense struggles with deep passes

The Bears have suffered greatly on defense when trying to cover downfield against deeper throws.

Bears problem with coverage

The Bears went into last week allowing more yards to wide receivers per target than any defense in the NFL.

Bears coverage weaknesses

They were giving up 10.4 yards per target to wide receivers while Tennessee was next worse at 10.1.

Bears blitzing strategy

They are No. 5 in blitz percentage (38.7%) to compensate for lack of pass rush and coverage problems.

Bears coverage issues

The tradeoff is they leave their DBs in man-to-man coverage at the second highest rate (31.5%).

Bears defense needs adjustment

It's likely the Bears will need to stand and cover more than attack with the blitzes like they did last week.

Bears defense challenges

The Bears have been beaten for big gains so often they may not have the capacity to adjust.