11/26/06

In a battle between two of the best defenses in the National Football League, last night’s Patriots/Bears turnover fest showed football aficionados everywhere why a great defense does not always win games.

New England gave up five total turnovers to Chicago’s four, but found an edge in quarterback Tom Brady’s ability to scamper for yards in crucial situations, even out-running linebacker Brian Urlacher in the fourth quarter for an 11-yard first down in the redzone. Bears’ quarterback Rex Grossman threw three interceptions without a touchdown against the Patriots’ defense, which held him to a meager 44.1 completion percentage. Even after Patriots linebacker Junior Seau left the game in the second quarter due to injury, Grossman continued the sporadic play that has haunted him all season long.

The Bears’ dominant defensive display against a wily Patriot offense kept the game within reach for the first three quarters as they grabbed three turnovers from New England inside Chicago’s own 20-yard line. The Patriots defense eventually prevailed with the help of cornerback Ashanti Samuel’s three interceptions, preserving a 17-13 victory for the AFC East leaders.

– Compiled by Jeff Gibson from The Associated Press

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