Patriots use creative tactic but fall short against Bears in late-game attempt
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 23, 2026, 4:33 AM
Last updated Oct 23, 2026

In a close game on October 22, the New England Patriots attempted an unconventional tactic while trailing the Chicago Bears 30-24 in the final moments. With time running low, head coach Mike Vrabel instructed defensive tackle Cory Durden to jump offsides on a critical 3rd-and-1 to stop the clock. This unusual approach almost paid off when the Patriots pressured Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, leading to a long field goal attempt by kicker Cairo Santos. Santos successfully converted a 58-yard field goal with 1:34 remaining, effectively sealing the game for the Bears.
- •Patriots trailed 30-24 late in the fourth quarter
- •Cory Durden jumped offsides to save time
- •Caleb Williams connected with Rome Odunze on a key play
- •Cairo Santos kicked a game-icing 58-yard field goal
- •Patriots continue to seek late-game strategies
- 4:33 AMYahoo Sports — Patriots try unconventional late-game tactic in loss to Bears
"The plan did not yield the desired results, but it was at least creative.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
NFL•Oct 23, 2026, 5:24 AMTwitter reacts strongly to Patriots' crushing 30-24 loss to Bears
NFL•Oct 23, 2026, 5:13 AMHunter Henry leads Pats with seven receptions
NFL•Oct 23, 2026, 5:13 AMPatriots’ Mike Vrabel blames 1 thing for defensive struggles during Bears game
NFL•Oct 23, 2026, 5:12 AMInstant analysis of the Bears' 30-24 win vs. Patriots in prime time
NFL•Oct 23, 2026, 4:53 AMAnother disappointing showing for A.J. Brown
NFL•Oct 23, 2026, 4:36 AMBears hold off Patriots for big win on TNF to get to 5-2
