Milton posts perfect passer rating as Patriots intercept Bears 5 times in 39-14 win

Chicago, IL - Joe Milton delivered a near-flawless passing performance, and New England's defense intercepted Caleb Williams five times as the Patriots defeated the Chicago Bears 39-14 in Week 7.

Milton completed 12 of 14 passes for 183 yards and two touchdowns, finishing with a perfect 158.3 passer rating. He did not throw an interception, while the Patriots recorded five on defense and extended a run that had already reached five consecutive victories entering the week.

The turnover column provided the game's most striking statistical contrast. New England collected five interceptions to Chicago's zero, even though the Bears finished with more first downs, more passing yards and more offensive yards. Chicago produced 323 offensive yards to New England's 306 and recorded 19 first downs to the Patriots' 15.

"The biggest thing was being decisive and taking care of the football," Milton said. "When the opportunity was there, I trusted what I saw. You want to finish every game feeling like you gave the offense clean possessions, and I thought we did a good job of that."

New England's passing production was spread across a compact group of contributors. Corey Kiner caught three passes for 81 yards and a touchdown, and Tyquan Thornton added four receptions for 63 yards. Romeo Doubs finished with three catches for 28 yards and a touchdown.

Kiner also supplied the Patriots' top rushing line, carrying 17 times for 85 yards with a long of 16. New England finished with 133 rushing yards, 52 more than Chicago, while adding 173 passing yards.

The Patriots were only 2-for-9 on third down, but they converted both of their fourth-down attempts. Their offense reached the red zone five times and scored two touchdowns on those trips without a field goal.

Chicago's yardage totals reflected an offense that could move the ball, but Williams' five interceptions sat alongside an otherwise productive passing line. The Bears quarterback completed 19 of 35 attempts for 274 yards and two touchdowns, including a 70-yard completion, but finished with a 59.4 passer rating.

"Two touchdown passes don't wipe away five interceptions," Williams said. "I have to be much cleaner with the football. We had yards and first downs, but the mistakes are right there in the numbers. That starts with me."

Luther Burden III was Chicago's most productive receiver, catching five passes for 94 yards and two touchdowns. His longest reception covered 70 yards. The Bears also received 64 rushing yards from D'Andre Swift on 17 carries, but their 81 team rushing yards remained well below New England's total.

Chicago converted 4 of 9 third downs, twice New England's total of successful third-down conversions. The Bears entered the red zone four times and came away with one touchdown and no field goals.

Dre'Mont Jones supplied individual production across several categories for the New England defense. He recorded one of the Patriots' three sacks, intercepted a pass and returned it 29 yards, and added a pass deflection.

"Five interceptions is a big number, and it reflects how well the whole group finished opportunities," Jones said. "For me, getting a sack and getting my hands on the ball are both things I take pride in. There are still details we can clean up, especially when you look at the yardage, but we'll take the result."

The Patriots entered Week 7 at 5-1 and extended their winning streak to six games behind Milton's efficient passing and a defense that intercepted Williams five times. Chicago, which came in at 1-5 after four consecutive losses, dropped its fifth straight game with the 25-point defeat.

Up Next

New England will remain on the road in Week 8 for a visit to the Miami Dolphins, while Chicago will travel to face the Seattle Seahawks looking to rebound from the loss.