Can Drake Maye Lead the Patriots Past Da Bears? Nick Coit Weighs In

Thursday Night Football brings some nostalgia to Chicago tonight, especially for anyone old enough to remember Super Bowl XX. The 4-2 New England Patriots visit the 4-2 Chicago Bears, and the Bears are set to honor Mike Ditka. Fun 107 Patriots beat reporter Nick Coit of Fox 61 Hartford joined The MGM Show for the Patriots Preview.

How Are the Patriots Handling the Injuries?

Coit said the Patriots just cannot shake the injury bug. "One receiver comes back and another heads out," he said. After a lucky season last year, he said it feels like they are now paying the piper.

"I've got to give them credit, though," Coit said. "Their depth is impressive, especially on the offensive line. Against the Jets, the Patriots lost three linemen, and Drake Maye said he could stand back there and make a ham sandwich. It is a next man up mentality."

Is A.J. Brown Out of His Own Head?

Coit thinks the drops got in Brown’s head, but Brown was still getting open and Coit expects him to be fine. On the mic’d up video from this week, Drake Maye can be heard telling Brown that he's going to keep coming his way. Brown says “I owe you,” and Maye waived him off, saying Brown "doesn't owe me anything." Drake is clearly growing into a respected leader on the team.

Winslow Townson, Getty Images

Who Should the Patriots Watch Out For?

Caleb Williams returned healthy last week, and Coit said he can keep plays alive with his feet and make a lot of big plays that way. With a short week, Coit’s advice is to keep it simple, stick to the game plan and not try to do too much. Maye did not turn the ball over against the Jets, and Coit hopes that continues.

What Is Nick Coit’s Prediction for Patriots vs. Bears?

Coit picked the Patriots 24-20 in a close one. He said the Bears defense has struggled to slow down opponents, Maye looks to be back on track, and A.J. Brown gets in the end zone.