Turnover Trouble
The 4-3 Patriots have not won the turnover differential in a game this season. They posted a minus-1 in a competitive 30-24 road loss to the Chicago Bears on Thursday. Mike Vrabel's team thrives on a four-part identity that prioritizes ball security and ball disruption, but they enter next Sunday's road game against the Miami Dolphins at a shocking minus-7 in turnover differential.
New England has 14 giveaways, which is the second most in the NFL. Despite having a goal of creating three turnovers per game on defense, the team has totaled just seven overall. In games the Patriots have forced at least one turnover, they are 4-1. In games they have not forced a turnover, they are 0-2.
Looking for Solutions
Veteran safety Kevin Byard led the NFL last season with seven interceptions but is still looking for his first this year. Byard pointed to a fourth-quarter play against Bears quarterback Caleb Williams that could have helped turn around their struggles. Williams delivered a pass to receiver Rome Odunze just between Byard's outstretched diving reach.
One of the first things Vrabel said after the game was that they need to turn the ball over defensively and tackle better. On the offensive side, quarterback Drake Maye had one turnover against the Bears with an inaccurate end zone pass in the second quarter to rookie tight end Eli Raridon. Maye noted it was a reminder of how one mistake can be the difference against a high-caliber opponent.
Other Roster Notes
Receiver A.J. Brown has played 101 of 122 offensive snaps since returning from a high right ankle sprain. He has been targeted 16 times while totaling just six receptions for 75 yards. Brown stated that teams try to take him away, which gives opportunities for other guys to make plays.
Elsewhere, guard Alijah Vera-Tucker landed on injured reserve Thursday. His three-year contract includes a record $250,000 for every game he is on the 46-man game-day roster, meaning he misses out on at least $1 million by missing four games. Meanwhile, running back TreVeyon Henderson has seen his usage decline sharply due to an ankle injury sustained on October 11.
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