Bears Edge Patriots 30-24 on Ditka Tribute Night as Cole Kmet Carted Off With Knee Injury

The Chicago Bears marked an emotional night at Soldier Field with a 30-24 victory over the New England Patriots on Thursday Night Football — the franchise's first home game since the death of coaching legend Mike Ditka. Quarterback Caleb Williams delivered, throwing for 308 yards and two touchdowns to lift the Bears to 5-2. Drake Maye nearly stole the show for New England, completing 24 of 31 passes for 321 yards and two touchdowns while adding a rushing score, but the Patriots dropped to 4-3 despite a gutsy effort on a short week. The victory came at a price: tight end Cole Kmet was carted off with a knee injury after a third-down catch with 5:31 remaining, and the Bears ruled him out for the rest of the game. Head coach Ben Johnson had no update after the game, saying more would be known Friday. Rome Odunze produced the night's key grabs, converting a late third-and-long and pushing Chicago into field-goal range before Cairo Santos sealed it. Despite the loss, Patriots coach Mike Vrabel heaped praise on his quarterback: "He gave us a chance. He competed... I'm glad he's ours." The defeat was another gut-punch for a Patriots side already missing both starting guards and several defensive starters.