# Bears-Patriots game: New England secondary challenges Caleb Williams

> New England's secondary could stop Caleb Williams' passing game in Thursday's NFL matchup.
- Title: Bears-Patriots game: New England secondary challenges Caleb…
- Summary: New England's secondary could stop Caleb Williams' passing game in Thursday's NFL matchup. Caleb Williams faces tougher secondary defense from New England…
- Keywords: bears, patriots, caleb williams, new england secondary, nfl, pass rush, drake maye, news, local, Bears-Patriots, game, England
- Source: Chicago Sun-Times — https://chicago.suntimes.com/bears/2026/10/21/what-to-watch-for-in-bears-patriots-on-thursday-new-england-secondary-raises-stakes-for-caleb-williams
- Published: 2026-10-21T21:52:21.92+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: bears, patriots, caleb williams, new england secondary, nfl, pass rush, drake maye, news, local
## Patriots secondary strength
New England Patriots safety Kevin Byard and cornerback Christian Gonzalez lead the team's secondary.

> he's a super savvy vet
## Caleb Williams' challenge
Williams must be sharp individually to complete passes against the Patriots' secondary.

> i've seen him work ... it's going to be a great challenge for us to go out there and execute and complete passes
## Patriots' secondary stats
Patriots rank 24th in opponent completion percentage (66.1) and 17th in opponent passer rating (90.3).
## Patriots' secondary concerns
Patriots missing starting cornerback Carlton Davis due to neck injury.
## Bears' pass rush situation
Bears lost top two pass rushers: Montez Sweat suspended and Dayo Odeyingbo on injured reserve.
## Bears' pass rush options
Defensive tackle Grady Jarrett and defensive end Austin Booker expected to step up.
## Bears' blitz strategy
Bears rely on blitzing nickel cornerback Kyler Gordon for pass rush.
## Bears' pass rush results
Gordon got three sacks and a tackle for loss on running back Bijan Robinson.
## Patriots' secondary impact
Patriots' secondary could narrow Williams' margins for decision-making, quickness and throwing accuracy.
## Bears' passing strategy
Williams must diversify passing attack to counter Patriots' secondary.
## Game date
Thursday, October 22, 2:00 pm ET.
## Key takeaway

Caleb Williams faces tougher secondary defense from New England Patriots as they prepare for Thursday's NFL game.