NFL world reacts to Bears' thrilling prime-time win vs. Patriots

The Chicago Bears defeated the New England Patriots, 30-24, Thursday night at Soldier Field to improve to 5-2 ahead of a 10-day break. It was ugly at times, despite the fact that the Bears led for the entire game. Penalties were once again an issue, as well as some drops, the pass defense struggled, the defensive line struggled to take advantage of a banged-up Patriots offensive line, tight end Cole Kmet suffered a knee injury that was a brutal blow for the offense and Cairo Santos' single doink nearly cost them the game -- until he kicked them to victory. But the fact of the matter is that Chicago was able to hold on for the win. Last season, the Bears were mounting impressive fourth-quarter comebacks. This year, Chicago is learning to play with a lead and preserve victories -- although it still has all of the makings of those heart palpitations from last season's comebacks. As you can imagine, there was plenty of excitement from the Bears' big win over a good Patriots team, where quarterback Caleb Williams had another impressive showing, Cairo Santos had a career-long 58-yard game-clinching field goal and Chicago improved to 5-2. NFL world reacts to Bears' thrilling win vs. Patriots in prime time