The main reason creating big plays off play-action is huge for the Patriots is that it can create layups for Maye within structure, meaning easy throws that don’t take him being Superman to complete. For example, the Pats got a chunk by running their “drive” concept off play-action. By running crossers at different levels of the defense by their tight ends, Maye hits a wide-open Austin Hooper for a 25-yard gain.

During the week, Van Pelt said that Maye needed to improve his play-action fakes, saying that the rookie quarterback was making it too easy on the defense to sniff out play-action. It seemed like Maye took the coaching along with better production in the run game contributing.

The rookie quarterback’s 71 play-action passing yards were a season-high for the Patriots.

5. Seven Different Defenders Join in on the Patriots Sack Party

Although the “Longhorn” package stole the show, the Patriots had seven defenders log a sack on Sunday: Wise (2.0), Jennings (2.0), Tavai, Pharms, White, Pettus, and of course, Schooler.

Speaking to Patriots.com after the game, second-year DE Keion White said the Patriots wanted to force Williams to beat them from the pocket. White credited his teammates in the backend for disguising coverages, but White himself tallied a team-high six QB pressures.

“I don’t think there’s a guard in the league who can block me one-on-one,” said White. The 2023 second-rounder also noted that he was getting double and even triple-teamed on third down, which created opportunities for his teammates, like Schooler, to sack Williams.

The Patriots seem to have a good pass-rusher in White, who added to his league lead with two more quick pressures in the win (under 2.5 seconds).

6. Patriots WR Kendrick Bourne Odd Man Out, Ja’Lynn Polk Bounces Back

Another interesting development for the offense was that veteran Kendrick Bourne was the odd man out with six receivers active for Sunday’s game.

According to a Boston Herald report, Bourne was informed before the game that he wouldn’t play much, with the Pats prioritizing getting their young receivers snaps. However, veteran receiver K.J. Osborn played 27 snaps, the second-most of any Pats receiver, which runs counter to the fact that the Patriots wanted to prioritize playing the kids. Here were the snap totals for the Pats WRs: Boutte (59), Osborn (27), Douglas (25), Polk (25), Baker (4).

Bourne wasn’t spotted in the Patriots post-game locker room by this scribe, so we’ll likely hear his perspective during the week. As for the receivers who played, separation felt like an issue for this group in the first half, but the numbers did even out by the game’s end.

It was also a feel-good moment to see Polk, who has been riding the rookie roller coaster, catch a second-quarter touchdown that capped off the 10-play scoring drive. Polk had a delayed route off an extended play-action fake, a concept that has worked well in the low red zone this season, and was open in the flat when he released off the run fake.

New England still needs more from its wide receiver room, and it was an interesting coaching decision to bench Bourne, one of their best separators, in favor of Osborn on Sunday.

7. CB Christian Gonzalez Doesn’t Shadow a Bears WR in Man Coverage-Heavy Plan

Although the pass rush deserves its flowers, my guess is that Monday’s film review will show that the Patriots disguising and tight man coverage also played a huge role in the nine sacks.

Based on my live viewing, there were two clear coverage sacks in the first half. Eventually, the Pats pass-rush schemes started to get home in a hurry, but there also was great coverage downfield from this vantage point, especially when the Patriots were in man-to-man schemes.

As for the matchups, Gonzalez told reporters that he “had the boundary” this week against a good trio of receivers for the Bears. With three legit weapons, the Pats left Gonzalez on the backside ‘X’ receiver and then mostly ran their coverage schemes to the passing strength. Overall, Gonzo split time on D.J. Moore (18 routes) and Rome Odunze (15), allowing just one catch for 18 yards on three targets into his coverage.

This week, Gonzalez’s ability to take the boundary receiver in single coverage allowed the Patriots to scheme up ways to confuse Williams and pressure the quarterback. Sometimes, it makes sense for him to shadow a specific receiver, but this was a good plan by the coaches.

8. Special Teams Review: Some Ups and Downs in the Kicking Game

Lastly, the special teams units had some good and bad. New England allowed a 38-yard punt return, which is becoming a semi-regular occurrence. They also got flagged for kicking the ball short of the landing zone, giving the Bears the ball on their own 40. The good was an I20 by punter Bryce Baringer, a 24-yard punt return by Marcus Jones, and Joey Slye making all four field goals and an extra point. They’ve got to get the punt coverage straightened out.