The New England Patriots have had their fair share of issues in end-of-half situations this year. Against the Chicago Bears on Sunday, however, they showed some real improvement in that area \u2014 and then some.<\/p>\n
Late in the second quarter of their 19-3 win, the Patriots played some outstanding complementary football. It was a testament to both the players executing at a high level, and the coaching staff preparing them for the situations that unfolded.<\/p>\n
The progress displayed within that two-minute stretch should therefore have fans optimistic about the future.<\/p>\n
It all started after Drake Maye and Ja\u2019Lynn Polk connected on a short touchdown pass to give New England a 10-3 lead with 1:46 left on the clock. The Patriots defense then delivered a quick stop to give its offense a shot at another score \u2014 one that was made more realistic thanks to former All-Pro punt returner Marcus Jones taking the ensuing punt 24 yards to allow the offense to set up shop at the 40-yard line.<\/p>\n
From there, and with two timeouts left, the Patriots began moving down the field. Rather slowly at first, one might add: an incomplete pass was followed by a 9-yard gain on a throw to DeMario Douglas.<\/p>\n
JaMycal Hasty then picked up a new set of downs on a 3rd-and-1, with New England\u2019s run blocking getting enough movement on a split zone call to give the veteran back room to bounce back for the conversion.<\/p>\n