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‘Feeling uncomfortable’ – Andoni Iraola explains why he subbed off one Liverpool player last night

Andoni Iraola has downplayed fears of another injury to his Liverpool squad in explaining one of his substitutions in the 4-3 win over Villarreal on Tuesday night.

Despite equalising for the Reds on the stroke of half-time, Ronald Araujo was withdrawn at the interval and replaced by Florian Wirtz, with Ryan Gravenberch moved from a number 10 role to right-back.

The tactical reshuffle paid dividends as the home side ultimately prevailed at Anfield, and the head coach explained that the substitution was purely by choice and not forced upon him by any physical issue for the Uruguay defender.

Iraola explains his decision to sub off Araujo

In his post-match press conference, Iraola was asked whether Araujo is OK after being withdrawn at half-time.

The Basque replied (via liverpoolfc.com): “Yes. In the first half, it has cost us until the 2-0 to balance the game a little bit.

(Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

“I think in possession we’ve got much better positions from Trey [Nyoni] and Alexis [Mac Allister] to control it a little better, but without the ball they were overloading us in the middle with three holding midfielders and [Alberto] Moleiro, who basically is another midfielder coming inside. Ronald was feeling uncomfortable following all the way.

“At the end we thought that a player like Ryan Gravenberch could do both jobs – defensively following inside, even I think he’s good enough outside to sustain the one-v-ones, and also offensively could be a better help if you want for Rio [Ngumoha], attacking down the right side.”

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Iraola’s reshuffle paid off handsomely

The half-time withdrawl of Araujo may have seemed surprising at first, but the performance of Gravenberch in an unfamiliar right-back role and the improved balance within the team meant that Iraola’s decision was vindicated.

Although the Uruguayan is a highly popular figure at Anfield, in truth he didn’t have his best night prior to his equaliser, looking unusually uncomfortable up against Moleiro and the roving Sergi Cardona and lacking quality with his deliveries into the penalty area.

The Netherlands international also struggled in the number 10 role but looked much more at home after switching to right-back, being comfortable on the ball and showing plenty of defensive awareness.

The decision to bring on Wirtz also had the desired effect as the German enjoyed another strong performance, capped by his first goal of the season with what ultimately proved to be the winner for Liverpool.

Full credit to Iraola for being proactive enough to make what seemed a risky substitution and trusting his judgement, with the change working out for the best and Araujo thankfully not suffering any injury complaints.

ZAPOPAN, MEXICO - OCTOBER 20: Roberto Alvarado of Chivas battles for possession with Mauro Zaleta and Javier Ruiz of Necaxa during the Liga MX Torneo Apertura 2026 13th-round match between Chivas and Necaxa at Akron Stadium on October 20, 2026 in Zapopan, Mexico. (Photo by Simon Barber/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Chivas finally got back to their winning way by defeating Necaxa by a 1-0 score. It was their first victory in more than a month in Liga MX but their performance was far from what was expected and they were lucky to get the victory. Chivas will now travel north to face Monterrey in a stadium where they had some good results. Necaxa will host last placed FC Juarez.

The 1st half started with Chivas giving a start to Jordan Carrillo while Necaxa surprised by not going out from the start with Julian Carranza. Roberto Alvarado got off a left footed shot from outside the area that went just wide. Alvarado would get the ball and made a run into the area where he got off a left footed shot but Necaxa’s goalkeeper, Javier Orantes, would make a good save of the close range shot. Leonel Calderon got off a left footed shot from outside the area that went well wide. Richard Ledezma got off a right footed shot from outside the area that went just wide. The halftime whistle blew and the fans in the stadium booed after such a terrible display of football from both teams.

The 2nd half started with Chivas subbing out Jordan Carrillo and Leonel Calderon for Santiago Sandoval and Hugo Camberos. From outside the area, Emilio Rodriguez got off a left footed shot that went well wide. After getting the ball in the area, Ricardo Marin got off a right footed shot that went wide. A right footed shot from Camberos forced a save from Orantes although the play was ruled to be offside. Necaxa subbed out Juan Valencia and Emilio Rodriguez for Julian Caranza and Owen Gonzalez. Chivas subbed out Diego Campillo and Richard Ledezma for Bryan Alonso Gonzalez and Kevin Castañeda. Off a corner kick, Agustin Oliveros rose to get off a close range header that was brilliantly saved by Chivas’s goalkeeper Raul Rangel, who then cleared the ball off his feet before Carranza could get to the rebound. A cross form Sandoval turned into a shot that Orantes easily saved. Mauro Zaleta got off a left footed shot that forced another good save from Rangel. Chivas subbed out Efrain Alvarez for Jesus Hernandez. A shot from outside the area by Castañeda would go so close that it moved the net and most in the stadium thought he had scored. After getting past a defender, Alvarado got off a good cross that Agustin Oliveros would deflect past Orantes to score an awful own goal that gave Chivas the 1-0 lead. It was a terrible play from Oliveros as Orantes would have easily handled the ball had Oliveros not tried to clear it. Necaxa subbed out Lorenzo Faravelli for Joshua Palacios. A give and go ended with Carranza getting the ball in the area but his right footed shot went well wide. Gonzalez got off right footed shot wide open in the area but his volley was terrible and it easily fell to Rangel. Necaxa subbed out Diego Ochoa for Missael Pedroza. Off a free kick, the ball was headed just out of reach of Emilio Martinez, who would have had a tap in chance had he gotten to it. Javier Ruiz got off a great right footed shot from way outside the area but Rangel made a wonderful save. Chivas held on to the win although their fan still disapproved of such a mediocre display by their team.

Chivas got their first win since September 13 against Pumas. While Chivas got the victory, it seemed an unfair result as Necaxa had done a good enough job that a tie would have been more deserved. Chivas only scored because of an own goal and created few opportunities. Chivas had a hero on goalkeeper Rangel as they held on for dear life against a Necaxa side that is now in 17th place. Chivas will travel north to face Monterrey in Estadio BBVA, a stadium where they have had a lot of success to the surprise of many. Necaxa will travel home where they will host the last placed FC Juarez.

The purists against the puritans? The cavaliers against the cautious? It could seem so. Bayern Munich and Arsenal share a status as champions of their country and an ambition to be champions of Europe. Their managers were two of Pep Guardiola’s lieutenants, as his captain and assistant respectively at Manchester City. Some may say they learnt different lessons.

Arsenal go to the Allianz Arena after a win at Nottingham Forest in which they had a lone shot on target. Bayern had 17 in their weekend win over RB Leipzig and, while it is both lazy and easy to dismiss their domestic opposition as relative minnows, the reality is they walloped the team who finished third in the Bundesliga last year. Bayern have six goals in their last match, Arsenal six in their last four.

The counter-argument, of course, is that Arsenal have the best defence in Europe, the team that only conceded seven goals in 15 Champions League games last season, the only side to start the current campaign with consecutive clean sheets. By way of comparison, Bayern were breached three times by the Norwegian newcomers Viking last week.

Whether or not it is merely a quirk of the fixture list, this midweek features superpower summits, games between arguably the four likeliest sides to win the competition – though Real Madrid may disagree with that – in Paris Saint-Germain against Barcelona and Bayern hosting Arsenal.

Arsenal can look like the anomaly among them. Each of the other three can make a case to have the best attack on the continent. Bayern’s is supported by the statistics. Last season, they got a record 122 Bundesliga goals, bettered only by the Torino team of 1947-48 in a top-five European league. It was 51 more than Arsenal scored in winning the Premier League. In all competitions, Harry Kane got 61 himself. In all, Michael Olise got 22 goals and 28 assists.

Mikel Arteta's bold plan to rule Europe with Arsenal could be tested at Bayern (Getty)

Arsenal are spared the test of how to halt Olise; he stopped himself with his silly sending-off against Viking last week, and is suspended now. But the sense that these sides were playing very different versions of the same sport was underlined in May’s Champions League semi-finals.

Bayern went to the Parc des Princes and, with Paris Saint-Germain, contributed to a classic. There were still 20 minutes remaining when the score stood at 5-4. Fantasy football, perhaps, or a dereliction of duty in defending, in the eyes of some. Meanwhile, Arsenal found a more prosaic way of progressing to the final, drawing 1-1 away with Atletico Madrid and winning 1-0 at the Emirates Stadium.

Mikel Arteta’s way took him a round further than Vincent Kompany, even if both ended up exiting the Champions League at the hands of PSG. But that, in turn, was a consequence of the draw that stemmed from a shared excellence in the initial phase of the competition. Arsenal and Bayern were on opposite sides of the draw after finishing first and second in the group stage. Between them, they won 15 of 16 games, denied only a clean sweep by meeting each other: Arsenal won 3-1 at the Emirates last November.

Vincent Kompany has also been influenced by Pep Guardiola with his Bayern side free-scoring (Getty)

That victory – with eight shots on target and an xG of 2.72 – could be seen as a sign Arsenal can create and score against the best. It is nevertheless the case that they look to have less firepower than they did in the Champions League final. Chief executive Richard Garlick spoke in the summer about wanting to bring in players who “change the dial”. Yet possible dial-changers like Vinicius Junior, Julian Alvarez and Morgan Rogers eluded them.

The only attacking addition, Christos Tzolis, is injured now. More forwards went out than in during the summer and one of those, Gabriel Martinelli, completed the scoring against Bayern last year. Another of the scorers that day, Noni Madueke, got the only goal against Forest; Eberechi Eze, who made way for Madueke at the break, struck against Lille last week. Yet while Arteta’s stand-in left wingers have scored, it still feels a problem position, and the one where they least look Champions League winners.

The questions facing Bayern swirl more around the defence. A former defender has been struggling: a virus meant Kompany had to miss Tuesday’s training session and sit out the pre-match press conference. Meanwhile, Manuel Neuer is a doubt and Jonas Urbig could deputise in goal.

Declan Rice of Arsenal is challenged by Harry Kane and Michael Olise in last season's Champions League (Getty)

Bayern and Arsenal can differ in other respects. The German champions brought in Ismael Saibari, who could stand in for Olise, and Nathaniel Brown this summer, but Arteta’s squad is constructed with a far greater emphasis on depth, on covering every base. If Arsenal have relative few goals of late, substitutes have scored in their last three games.

That is part of Arteta’s model: clean sheets, consistency, quality options. Bayern’s is based more around formidable firepower. After 184 goals last season, they already have 36 this season. Their strategy may be more entertaining, and if it is oversimplifying to call it attack versus defence when perhaps each is looking for a balance that involves playing to their strengths, it is a 90-minute examination of contrasting blueprints to win the Champions League.

Raphinha sends defiant message after Barcelona defeat to PSG ahead of El Clasico: ‘It was a good test and shows we can compete’

Barcelona captain Raphinha has insisted that his side’s 4-2 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain will not affect their preparations for El Clasico, backing the team’s performance despite losing their first match of the 2026/27 season.

Returning to the starting lineup against the reigning European champions, the Brazilian forward acknowledged the difficulty of playing PSG on their home ground but argued that Barcelona had demonstrated their ability to compete.

With Real Madrid next on the schedule, Raphinha also provided an update on his own fitness and addressed the uncertainty surrounding Dani Olmo’s condition.

Raphinha defends Barcelona performance

Raphinha recognised the challenge Barcelona faced against Luis Enrique’s side, highlighting the quality of their opponents and the difficulty of playing in front of their supporters.

“We knew it could happen; we’re facing the two-time European champions, and playing in front of their fans is very tough.”

Although disappointed not to take anything from the contest, the Barcelona captain played down the significance of losing three points, stressing that the team must learn from the experience rather than dwell on the result.

“We wanted to come away with a win or a point – whatever – but it’s no big deal; these things happen when they’re meant to, and in the end we’ve only dropped three points.”

Raphinha also praised the tactical quality of PSG, believing Barcelona’s ability to compete in possession provided encouragement despite the scoreline.

Raphinha returned to the starting XI against PSG. (Photo by Franco Arland/Getty Images)

“They are a very well-drilled side. Despite today’s result, we competed well. Both teams like to play with the ball and we had possession.

“It was a good test and shows we can compete. The result doesn’t matter, but we played well.”

Barcelona captain explains fitness plan after return

The PSG fixture marked Raphinha’s return to the starting XI, but his involvement was carefully managed following a limited period of training.

“After all, I’ve had less than a week’s training, and this was the plan – to play fewer minutes.”

The forward was nevertheless encouraged by how he felt after the match, suggesting that his physical condition is moving in the right direction as Barcelona approach a crucial domestic fixture.

“I finished the match feeling good and strong, and I’m trying to improve my physical condition further.”

His return is an important development for Hansi Flick, although the planned restriction on his minutes indicates that Barcelona are continuing to manage his workload.

Raphinha is confident ahead of El Clasico. (Photo by Franco Arland/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Raphinha also admitted that he did not yet know the details of Dani Olmo’s injury after the midfielder was forced off against PSG.

“I don’t know what happened to Dani, and now we’ll speak to the manager and the doctor to find out what happened.”

Raphinha insists PSG loss will not affect El Clasico

Barcelona will now turn their attention to Sunday’s meeting with Real Madrid, with Raphinha eager to ensure that the European setback does not carry over into El Clasico.

The captain said the team would listen to Flick’s assessment and work on the areas requiring improvement before the next match.

“We’ll see what the manager has to say about how we can improve and be in good shape for the Clasico.”

Asked directly whether the defeat could influence Barcelona’s preparations or mentality ahead of facing their biggest rivals, Raphinha simply said,

“It can’t affect it at all,” he concluded.

Source: Mundo Deportivo

Real Madrid superstar leaves Mourinho and teammates stunned with incredible work ethic

Real Madrid have completed 100 days under Jose Mourinho since the charismatic manager’s return in the summer.

The team may have had a mixed bag of performances, but their record at home in particular has been exceptional.

Now, according to El Chiringuito TV (h/t Madrid Xtra), Jude Bellingham is making a remarkable impression behind the scenes at Real Madrid.

The English midfielder, who is set to sign a new long-term deal with the club, is spending up to eight hours a day at the club’s Valdebebas training complex.

Bellingham is consistently the last player to leave the training facilities, with his dedication surprising both his teammates and manager Jose Mourinho.

Bellingham setting an example at Valdebebas

The midfielder shows exceptional commitment to his daily routine. His work extends well beyond the usual first-team training sessions.

Spending up to eight hours at Valdebebas does not necessarily mean eight hours of physical training, but it does show Bellingham’s commitment.

Bellingham is setting an example at Real Madrid. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Nevertheless, the dedication offers an interesting insight into Bellingham’s approach to maintaining his performance levels.

Mourinho is understood to be particularly impressed, while the midfielder’s teammates have also taken notice.

For a player already established among Madrid’s most important figures, such commitment sends a positive message throughout the dressing room.

Why Mourinho will value Bellingham’s mentality

Bellingham’s importance to Real Madrid extends beyond his technical ability and attacking contributions.

His willingness to work, compete physically and take responsibility in demanding situations makes him an important part of Mourinho’s midfield.

The Portuguese manager has historically placed considerable emphasis on discipline, competitive mentality and players who put the team ahead of anyone else.

Mourinho will love to see Bellingham’s attitude in the rest of his squad. (Photo by Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images)

Bellingham’s training habits are well suited to those expectations. There is also a broader benefit for Madrid’s developing squad.

With several new signings adapting to Mourinho’s methods, having established players demonstrate strong professional standards will set an example.

However, workload management remains equally important, particularly during a season featuring domestic and European commitments.

Long hours at the training ground are valuable only when combined with appropriate recovery and carefully managed physical demands.

Bellingham is one of the first names on the team sheet for Jose Mourinho, and there is a good reason why this is the case.

It remains to be seen how the Englishman fares through the course of the season and whether his dedication influences the rest of the squad.

Oct 20, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) looks to shoot the ball against New York Knicks center Andre Drummond (0) during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

76ers’ Joel Embiid issues strong defensive declaration in locker room after beating Knicks appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Joel Embiid is very clearly not the player he once was due to all the injury problems he’s gone through over the past few years. But the Philadelphia 76ers may not need him to be his MVP-level self anyway, at least in the early goings of the season. On Tuesday night, the 76ers spoiled the New York Knicks’ ring night and handed them a 106-101 loss even with Embiid having a subpar offensive outing.

Embiid finished with just 13 points on 4-of-15 shooting from the field, and he mostly lived from the perimeter. Nearly half of his shots came from beyond the arc (he went 2-of-7) and he deferred to the 76ers’ other stars — with Tyrese Maxey leading the way with 28 points on the night.

However, Embiid made a concerted effort to anchor the 76ers’ defense. He helped Philly limit New York to just 37.2% shooting from the field, and there were times where he made it impossible for the Knicks to score in the paint. He had two steals and three blocks on the night, too. After the game, the 76ers star declared that he wants to get back to being at his best on the defensive end.

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“Embiid had a declaration to make in the locker room after this one. He said, ‘I’m going to get back to being an all-defensive team player,'” Dave McMenamin of ESPN said on SportsCenter, via Oh No He Didn’t on X.

Dave McMenamin:

"(Joel) Embiid had a declaration to make in the locker room after this one. He said, I'm going to get back to being an all-defensive team player. And obviously, if he can do that, that gives all sorts of options for this team Embiid also said that it was his… pic.twitter.com/FDOb3ba8RM

— Oh No He Didn't 🤯 (@ohnohedidnt24) October 21, 2026

According to McMenamin, Embiid also suggested that the 76ers put LeBron James on Karl-Anthony Towns, which then bottled up some of New York’s pick-and-pop actions — forcing their other players, who were struggling with their shot, to get the ball.

With James and Jaylen Brown now on the roster, the 76ers have so much talent on offense that they can afford Embiid to take it easier on that end of the floor. If Embiid returns to being a major force on defense, Philly well and truly may have what it takes to mount a challenge for the Larry O’Brien trophy.

A black bald eagle, with its wings spread, on the arm of its male handler

Crystal Palace were rebranded as the Eagles in the mid-1970s, having previously been known as the Glaziers [Getty Images]

An animal rights group is urging Crystal Palace to retire their live bald eagle mascot with immediate effect, saying a "bright stadium filled with boisterous fans is no place for animals".

In a letter to Palace CEO Sharon Lacey, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) asked the Premier League club to stop using the eagle, named Phoenix, in pre-match displays at Selhurst Park and to never use live animal mascots again.

The London team, known as the Eagles since 1973, introduced a live eagle to matchdays in 2010. Kayla, who died in 2020, performed the role for 10 years and her replacement Phoenix made her debut against West Ham in August 2024.

Peta says birds can become "frightened, disoriented and panicked" in stadium environments, putting themselves and fans at risk.

Using them for displays and entertainment also denies the animals, who "would naturally avoid humans", the opportunity to engage with their natural instincts, leading to "frustration and stress", the group said.

The organisation has "detailed records" of incidents involving live mascots, including birds, being injured or killed in collisions with walls, windows and match balls, as well as a falcon embedding its talons in a spectator's scalp after landing on his head.

In 2017, a Charlton Athletic fan was found guilty of trying to punch Kayla the eagle at a League Cup fixture two years earlier.

"Many professional sports teams use only willing humans as mascots and the club already has Pete the Eagle to excite the crowd," said Dr Carys Bennett, Peta's senior corporate projects manager.

"Bald eagles are widely recognised as symbols of freedom. They deserve better than to be used as an entertainment prop to amuse the Eagles' fans."

Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Pistons’ Cade Cunningham is loving the ‘blessing’ that makes his life easy on the court appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The consensus on the Detroit Pistons heading into the 2026-27 season was down, as they lost solid veteran contributor Tobias Harris in free agency. Moreover, they did not make many meaningful additions to the roster this past offseason, and they had to deal with the drawn-out restricted free agency of Jalen Duren. But Cade Cunningham showed on opening night that he’s the man as he led Detroit to a come-from-behind 121-113 victory over the Boston Celtics.

The Pistons fell down by 13 at the halftime interval, and the Celtics pushed their lead to as many as 22 points. However, Detroit buckled down on the defensive end just in time for their shots to start falling. While Cunningham finished with just 22 points on the night, he received plenty of help from veteran Duncan Robinson, who had 21 points of his own after drilling five threes. Javonte Green also stepped up off the bench, nailing five triples of his own.

Cunningham credited the Pistons’ shooters for making their shots when it mattered, which made life so much easier for him and the rest of the team.

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“It’s a blessing. It makes my life easy. It makes [Jalen Duren] and [Ausar Thompson]’s life easier. We just got to keep getting our camaraderie, our synergy a little bit better. But that’ll come as the season goes,” Cunningham told Robbie Hummel of NBC Sports in his postgame interview.

"It's a blessing. It makes my life easy."

Cade Cunningham on being surrounded by elite shooting as the Pistons drained 15 triples in a win to start the season! pic.twitter.com/ATVNGzvF9h

— NBA on NBC and Peacock (@NBAonNBC) October 20, 2026

Isaiah Joe, Kevin Huerter, and Daniss Jenkins combined to make four triples as well, and their mere presence on the court demands respect from the opposition’s perimeter defenders. This then gave Cunningham, Duren, and Thompson so much space to operate.

But at the end of the day, the Pistons will make a living off of their elite defense. They posted the league’s second-best defense last season, and there’s no reason to believe that they’ll get worse at that end of the floor. However, if they combine that with some improved outside shooting, perhaps another 60-win season could be in the cards.

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) passes the ball during an NFL football game against Jacksonville Jaguars in London, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026. | Ian Walton

Chris “Mad Dog” Russo isn’t buying the NFL’s explanation for how the Philadelphia Eagles handled Jalen Hurts’ blood clot diagnosis.

The popular ESPN personality criticized the league and Philadelphia on Wednesday’s edition of “First Take,” questioning the NFL’s commitment to player safety following the Eagles quarterback’s diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis and blood clots in both lungs.

“One thing if I may about this whole thing with Hurts, the Eagles did a horrendous job,” Russo said. “And I’m going to believe the NFL now that doesn’t have grass fields, that didn’t do anything with CTE until they were forced to, that wants to play an 18th game for the safety of the players when they want to play another game. ... I don’t trust them.”

Russo regularly appears alongside ESPN figurehead Stephen A. Smith on Wednesdays, but his comments weren’t part of his usual “What Are You Mad About?” segment. Instead, they came during a discussion about an increasingly complicated situation involving one of the NFL’s biggest stars.

Russo also took issue with Eagles coach Nick Sirianni being left to answer questions about Hurts’ medical situation, arguing that the team should have made a medical professional available.

#Eagles HC Nick Sirianni got into a back-and-forth with a reporter over why Jalen Hurts was allowed to fly back from London after being diagnosed with a blood clot: https://t.co/OulKwe7Q8x pic.twitter.com/QqlEpCXhAc

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 19, 2026

“Put a trainer out there! Put a team doctor!” Russo said. “You make the poor guy answer questions with a hungry media in Philadelphia? That was a disgrace!”

It’s a tricky spot for ESPN, given its huge deal with the NFL. Even though Russo’s just sharing his opinion, calling out the league like this really highlights the awkward line between sports media and the NFL’s massive business interests. ESPN network coverage will feature the Super Bowl this coming February, backed by a year-round promotional campaign alongside a full week of game-related broadcasts and special programming — events where Russo is sure to participate.

The controversy stems from Hurts’ trip to London for Philadelphia’s Oct. 11 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Eagles said an ultrasound revealed a superficial blood clot in his calf on Oct. 10, but medical personnel determined he could safely play. He subsequently returned home with the team.

Hurts was then ruled out against the Carolina Panthers the following week after another ultrasound showed movement in the clot. On Monday, the Eagles announced that further testing revealed deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli, which are blood clots in both lungs. He is now expected to miss the remainder of the season.

The reporting surrounding his time in London has also drawn scrutiny. The Ringer’s new NFL insider Tom Pelissero initially reported that Hurts had been awake for roughly 36 hours when he started against Jacksonville, allegedly after doctors advised him not to sleep as a precaution.

Pelissero later clarified the report after Hurts’ agent, Nicole Lynn, said the quarterback had been able to sleep after returning from the hospital early Sunday morning. The NFL also disputed the claim that doctors instructed Hurts to remain awake.

For Russo, the broader issue remains whether the league’s actions match its public commitment to protecting players.

“And the NFL can’t sit there and tell me that they care about safety,” he said. “They care about safety, why are we going for an 18th game?”

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts runs the tush push during a game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025, in Philadelphia. | Chris Szagola, Associated Press

The New England Patriots are off to Chicago for their second prime time game of the season. The Bears will present a formidable challenge, not only because the game is taking place at Soldier Field on a short week: they have played some impressive football this season en route to their 4-2 record.

That being said, we are — no pun intended — a bit bearish on the team particularly on defense. Likewise, even with their current injury questions we can see the Patriots emerge victoriously. A look at our weekly head-to-head comparison shows why.

Passing game

Patriots pass offense vs. Bears pass defense: Yes, the Patriots will be without their starting guards. Yes, Morgan Moses is questionable. Yes, the Patriots just placed Romeo Doubs on injured reserve. We still feel confident in the Patriots’ ability to find success against a Bears pass defense missing its two most disruptive and likely one of its starting linebackers as well. The middle of the field is an area that can be attacked, A.J. Brown should be better than he was last week, and as long as New England’s blocking holds up against the blitz and ageless wonder Grady Jarrett, we do believe the team can scheme around its personnel shortcomings and continue to operate at a winning level. Of course, having Drake Maye helps as well. | Edge: Patriots

Patriots pass defense vs. Bears pass offense: Caleb Williams is a pretty good quarterback, and he has some talented players around him to throw to. And yet, we like the Patriots pass defense in this matchup. It starts up front, with an offensive line that has had its ups and downs in pass protection and will go up against an aggressive unit anchored by the likes of Milton Williams and Christian Barmore. In the secondary, a lot will depend on how New England defends tight end Colston Loveland and if Charles Woods can continue his hot streak as a replacement starter. We do believe Loveland will be kept in check, and Woods not exploited. Make no mistake, though, the Bears pass offense will win its battles. The war, however, should be won by the visitors. | Edge: Patriots

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Running game

Patriots rushing offense vs. Bears run defense: On paper, this reads like a battle between a very stoppable force and an immensely movable object. And it very well might turn out that way: neither unit has stood out so far this season, and one’s edge might be more the result of the other’s shortcomings. With that said, we think the Patriots do have a chance to perform well in the run game even with Walter Rouse and Matt Pryor as their new starting guard duo. Chicago simply doesn’t have the quality in the middle outside of the aforementioned Grady Jarrett, particularly if focused heavily on stopping Drake Maye. | Edge: Patriots

Patriots run defense vs. Bears rushing offense: Chicago will be without its No. 2 running back, Kyle Monangai, but D’Andre Swift is more than capable of creating problems on his own. And problems, the Patriots run defense has had this season. And it doesn’t look like there will be a quick or easy fix either, which in turn means that the Bears could be able to put pressure on New England. Lapses similar to the ones Zak Kuhr’s unit had against the Jets — missed tackles, insufficient angles — won’t cut it against a team that ranks first in rushing attempts this season and is certain to keep pounding the rock, and in creative ways. | Edge: Bears

Special teams

The Patriots and Bears are both entering Thursday night among the best kicking game performers so far this season. They also are facing the same questions, with both teams’ kickers having missed three of their attempts thus far. So, who gets the edge? Statistically, Chicago has been slightly better this year so far in categories such as coverage and return. That being said, New England’s numbers are impacted by not having Brenden Schooler on the active roster for four of six games and by teams trying to neutralize Marcus Jones. No team has a clear edge in this matchup. | Edge: N/A

Coaching

The Jets (and their own injury situation) turned out to be quite the challenge for the Patriots last week. At the end of the day, though, they still found a way to emerge victoriously. The coaching staff’s ability to adapt and adjust its plans along the way played a big role in that, and it is also why we feel confident in Mike Vrabel and company on a short week as well. Even with the questions along the offensive line, New England has shown the ability to work around potential vulnerabilities already this season. | Edge: Patriots

Verdict

Even though we give the Patriots an edge in four of six categories, we do not automatically think this will be a clear-cut New England victory. Far from it: all those picks can be disputed, and we actually feel most confident in the one going to the home team (Patriots run defense vs. Bears rushing offense). We do see a path to victory for Mike Vrabel’s team even if the circumstances make for a difficult assignment this week, but it will need high-level performances especially from the backups inserted into the lineup and a coaching staff responsible for not putting them in disadvantageous situations.

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