Pats Pulpit breaks down the snap counts from the Patriots' 30-24 loss in Chicago, where the offense was on the field for a season-low 54 plays after averaging 63.8 through six weeks. The Bears controlled the flow of the game as Vrabel had warned they might.
Summary written by Readthrough from the original article. The full story, with photos and any updates, is at Pats Pulpit.
Second-round edge rusher Gabe Jacas, who missed much of the spring over a rookie contract dispute, has become one of the Patriots' best defenders through seven games. Musket Fire argues he belongs in the Defensive Rookie of the Year conversation despite a costly late-hit penalty on Caleb Williams in Thursday's loss to the Bears.
Second-year running back TreVeyon Henderson played only 13 of 54 snaps in the loss to the Bears and has trailed his rookie production this season. Mike Vrabel said the team still trusts him and had packages planned for him, saying "TreVeyon will help us."
The 4-3 Patriots visit the 1-5 Dolphins on Sunday, Nov. 1, at Hard Rock Stadium after a Thursday-night loss to the Bears, while Miami is coming off a 28-25 win over the Jets. New England has struggled in Miami, going 3-10 at the stadium since 2013, and is dealing with several key injuries.
With the trade deadline on Nov. 10, Musket Fire argues the Patriots should try to trade for Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, with Indianapolis at 2-5 and general manager Chris Ballard gone. The piece says a solid defense still needs a star upgrade for a deep playoff run.
