Gresh & Zo On Patriots-Bears: Give Matt Patricia The Game Ball
BOSTON (CBS) - In a game where quarterback Tom Brady threw five touchdowns and tight end Rob Gronkowski received three of them, 98.5 The Sports Hub's Andy Gresh and Scott Zolak feel like the game ball goes to the defensive side of the ball, particularly the coordinator.
Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia drew up one heck of a game plan to stifle the Bears, and Gresh and Zo spent part of Monday morning discussing what a great job he did.
"They deserve credit for steering the ship and riding it for what it's worth. After losing running back Stevan Ridley, linebacker Jerod Mayo, and now defensive end Chandler Jones -- who's going to be out for a while. Matt Patricia should've gotten the game ball yesterday. That was one of the best defensive game plans I've seen him roll out in a while," said Zo.
It's clear this isn't the same team they were four weeks ago when they left Kansas City. The Patriots were simply struggling, and its evident that the team has come together, both offensively and defensively.
Gresh and Zo both highlighted and agreed that the offensive line finally looks like one cohesive unit.
"The offensive line did a really nice job. When you let them run, they run. The interior of the line, if they continue to block up front and Brady can slide up in the pocket, you'll continue to see the massive difference it makes," stated Gresh.
They also quickly acknowledged linebacker Dont'a Hightower on how he has stepped it up big time after the Patriots suffered the loss Mayo, managing the line and calling plays during Sunday's contest.
Another positive to take away from was Rob Gronkowski, who finally looks back to one hundred percent.
"Gronk was simply on beast mode yesterday, it's safe to say that Gronk is back," said Gresh.
"It starts with him and that's what I've been trying to say since week one. The Patriots did it the right way, they prepared him mentally and eased him into it. There's is nobody that sets coverage the way he [Gronk] does. I'm excited," said Zo.
This is a big week for the Patriots, and this Sunday is the real challenge. They face the Denver Broncos, who we can all agree has been phenomenal thus far this season. Both teams are on the pursuit for the number one seed in the AFC, so you know both squads will be fired up.
Listen below for their full Bears analysis, as well as a look towards the Denver game!
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