CHICAGO BEARS EXTEND LEAD OVER NEW ENLAND PATRIOTS

The Chicago Bears extended their lead over the New England Patriots to 27-14 in the third quarter of Thursday’s game at Soldier Field. Caleb Williams threw a 12-yard touchdown pass to Colston Loveland to finish a nine-play drive with 9:41 left in the quarter. Loveland made three other catches on the drive, gaining seven, six and 22 yards. Chicago had led 20-14 at half-time after Luther Burden caught a 24-yard touchdown pass with 14 seconds remaining.

Burden gained 130 receiving yards in the first half, with catches that helped set up three Chicago scoring drives. A 26-yard reception preceded Cairo Santos’ 43-yard field goal, while a 62-yard catch took the Bears to the New England four-yard line before D’Andre Swift scored. Drake Maye threw an interception to D’Marco Jackson near the end of the half. Maye then found Rhamondre Stevenson for a 48-yard touchdown as time expired. Williams completed nine of 16 passes for 167 yards and a touchdown before the break.

Both teams entered the game with 4-2 records. New England had won three consecutive games, while Chicago had won three of its previous four. The Patriots beat the Bears 19-3 when Maye and Williams met during their rookie seasons. New England listed Ben Brown, Alijah Vera-Tucker, Carlton Davis, Karon Prunty and Channing Canada as unavailable for this game. Chicago ruled out Kyle Monangai and Jack Sanborn.