Any questions about Tom Brady’s ability to keep playing at a high level were (once again) soundly answered on Sunday, as the Patriots shredded the Bears, 51-23. It was a tough day for Chicago from nearly the opening whistle right through the final play, as Patriots highlights included Rob Gronkowski recording three touchdown catches, and Brady (30-35 with five touchdown passes) being nearly flawless. The 6-2 Patriots now head into a showdown against the rival Broncos next Sunday firing on all cylinders, despite the team’s injuries.

The first quarter was actually somewhat slower paced, with only one score. That said, Brady’s ability to move the ball was clear from the outset. Brandon LaFell was found a number of times, before Gronkowski hauled in his first score of the day. The second quarter presented a flurry of scores for New England, and mistakes from Chicago. Three Patriots touchdowns in 57 seconds at the end of the first half effectively ended the contest.

The second half saw more of a consistent effort from the Bears’ quarterback, Jay Cutler, and his receiving corps. Still, Darrelle Revis and the Patriots defense kept the pressure on, and New England rode out the clock on another deserved victory. Here are all of the major Patriots highlights on the day:

Brady found Gronkowski for the opening score on a fade:

 

Another Patriots march down field culminated with a one-yard play-action touchdown score to tight end Tim Wright: 

The Patriots all but won the game at the end of the first half, when they scored three touchdowns in less than a football minute. Here they are:

Gronkowski caught yet another fade-route touchdown in the second quarter, making it 24-7:

After a quick turnaround, Brady found Brandon LaFell:

GIF via Bleacher Report

And just when the Bears thought they would escape the half with no more damage, a Cutler fumble allowed Rob Ninkovich to score on the return. This basically ended the game, making it a discouraging 38-7 at halftime:

The only notable moment in the second half came from Gronkowski, who showed some vintage playmaking when he threw a defensive back off of him, and dashed for his third score, making it a hat trick: 

GIF via BroBible

Featured image via Keith Allison, Creative Commons

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