# Drake Maye Forces Bears to Change Defense

> Chicago Bears defense struggles against Drake Maye's deep passes and mobility.
- Title: Drake Maye Forces Bears to Change Defense | Shortify
- Summary: Chicago Bears defense struggles against Drake Maye's deep passes and mobility. Chicago Bears must adjust defensive strategy after Drake Maye's deep passing…
- Keywords: drake maye, chicago bears, bears defense, nfl, quarterback, deep passing, mobility, coverage, sports, Drake, Maye, Forces
- Source: Chicago Bears On SI — https://si.com/nfl/bears/onsi/how-drake-maye-forces-bears-to-drastically-alter-successful-approach
- Published: 2026-10-20T17:15:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: drake maye, chicago bears, bears defense, nfl, quarterback, deep passing, mobility, coverage, sports
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Chicago Bears must adjust defensive strategy after Drake Maye's deep passing and mobility disrupts their coverage.