Following a tough Week 9 loss, the New England Patriots are aiming to bounce back in Week 10 as they face the Chicago Bears.
Although it won’t be an easy matchup, they have a chance to secure an important road win.
In preparation for this game, the Patriots made some roster changes.
First, they claimed veteran pass-rusher Yannick Ngakoue. He’ll have a significant opportunity to strengthen their defense, particularly in an area where the team needed improvement.
In a corresponding move, New England made a surprising decision to release veteran linebacker Raekwon McMillan.
McMillan has been an important part of the Patriots’ defense this season and has been one of their most reliable tacklers.
So far, McMillan has appeared in nine games, accumulating 45 tackles and a defended pass.
Despite these solid stats, the Patriots seem to believe he wasn’t the best long-term fit. They want to see if Ngakoue, who was once among the league’s most feared edge rushers, can return to form.
At 28, McMillan could attract teams needing linebacker support. He may not be a “star,” but he’s a dependable player who can contribute effectively.
As for Ngakoue, it will be interesting to see how he performs in New England.
He could potentially be the missing piece the Patriots need to revitalize their pass rush.
Letting go of McMillan was unexpected, but it might be a decision that pays off.
