A Tom Brady-to-Deion Branch touchdown pass at the end of the first half made it 33-0 at halftime, and the second half was garbage time as the Patriots cruised to a 36-7 victory.
Branch and Welker are proving to be exactly the pair of receivers the Patriots need.
With Brady at quarterback, the Patriots are 32-4 when the temperature is 40 degrees or colder.
Said Patriots LB Jerod Mayo, “I think we play better in the snow.”
Brady has now thrown 268 consecutive passes without an interception.
Asked about the Jets losing, Patriots coach Bill Belichick said, “We can’t worry about that. We can’t be scoreboard-watching and worrying about every team in the league. We worry about ourselves and just try to play well. Whatever else happens, happens.”
Said Patriots NT Vince Wilfork, “Each week, we’re getting better and better. Guys are finding their roles on the team, and they’re starting to step up, and we need that especially now, late in the season, in December. I just think everyone’s doing their job, and doing it real good. When we need plays, guys are making plays.”
Bears DT Tommie Harris said the slippery field was a factor: “If you’re a fast defense, you play better on turf or a fast surface. With their defense, it’s a 3-4 where guys stand up, stand around. Really, traction, coming off the ball is not a problem for them. But that is no excuse. They just beat us.”
Said Bears coach Lovie Smith, “Sometimes you get your butt beat and you move on.”