Do Patriots Take Pride In Getting Bears Coach Fired? Defenders Weigh In
FOXBORO, Mass. — Davon Godchaux’s smirk and chuckle spoke volumes.
Bears offensive coordinator Shane Waldron was fired two days after the New England Patriots sacked Caleb Williams nine times in a 19-3 verdict at Soldier Field. Waldron already was on thin ice in the Windy City, but New England’s dominant defensive effort served as the final gust.
Keion White and Godchaux told NESN.com the Patriots weren’t trying to get Waldron fired, and did not take satisfaction in him losing his job. But the veteran defensive tackle also pointed out a time when events unfolded similarly.
“We done did that to plenty of people,” Godchaux said in the Patriots locker room Wednesday. “We played the Colts two years ago and they fired Frank (Reich) after we had 10 sacks.”
Bill Belichick’s Patriots sacked Colts quarterback Sam Ehlinger nine times en route to a 26-3 victory on Nov. 6, 2022. Indianapolis fired the head coach Reich the next day.
“So we done did that to a lot of people,” Godchaux said. “But, I mean, I guess they (Bears) just felt time for him to move on. I wouldn’t say we did it, but at the end of the day we did plenty, I guess.”
Godchaux added with a chuckle: “We just want to go out there and play dominant football. That’s it. We’re not trying to get nobody fired, though.”
The Patriots pass-rush registered 12 pressures on Williams, per Pro Football Focus. Chicago’s offensive line was credited for four of the nine sacks confirming Williams held onto the ball for far too long. The No. 1 overall pick was outperformed by Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye.
Williams’ start surely is a bigger factor in Waldron’s firing than the Patriots.
“I mean, you never want to see anybody lose their job,” White told NESN.com. “But at the end of the day the satisfaction is doing our job. It sucks that somebody had to lose their job for us to play well, but you just take pride in what you put on film.”
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The Bears were working with a patchwork offensive line Sunday. No team understands what that’s like more than the Patriots, who have dealt with a myriad of injuries up front this season.
White doesn’t believe that should discount New England’s performance, though.
“I feel like at this point everybody is in the NFL so everybody’s good,” White said. “Obviously, some people are better than others. But what you want to see from a growing defense is being able to take advantage of mismatches and lapses in judgement on the other team. I think that was something we showed, and an important step in development.”
The 3-7 Patriots have made strides, recording wins in two of their last three games. Their win in Chicago was arguably their most complete performance this season and a much-improved day for Jerod Mayo’s coaching staff.
The same can’t be said for the 4-5 Bears, who dropped a third straight contest. And the firing of Waldron confirms it.