When the New England Patriots take on the Chicago Bears on Thursday, the game will be a homecoming for safety Kevin Byard, who led the NFL in interceptions last season as the veteran leader of Chicago’s secondary.
On Monday during his press conference, second-year safety Craig Woodson shared how he will lean on Byard as New England prepares for Chicago’s passing attack.
“Yeah, I mean it’ll be good just to talk to him, just to kind of get a little gauge on their personnel, how certain guys kind of play and uh what he’s seen from being around over there,” said Woodson.
“So, we’ll be talking to him all week.”
Byard Turned Back The Clock
Last season was a resurgent year for Kevin Byard as he led the NFL in interceptions with seven and was named a First-Team All-Pro for the third time in his career and the first time since 2021.
He was also a key veteran leader in the back end of Chicago’s defense that helped propel the Bears to the NFC North division title and a wild-card round victory over the rival Packers.
After his standout season in Chicago, Byard opted to reunite with his former Titans head coach Mike Vrabel and signed a one-year contract with the Pats, who were fresh off a trip to the Super Bowl. The hope was that Byard would build off last season’s performance and help New England’s already stout secondary turn into arguably the NFL’s best.
The Byard-Vrabel Reunion
Through six games, Byard has had a productive but quieter year with New England compared to last season. He has yet to record an interception and has only two passes defended.
Maybe Thursday’s homecoming against the Bears will be the game where Byard turns his season around and recaptures his All-Pro form.
Already with first-hand experience of Chicago’s passing-game tendencies, look for Byard to have New England’s secondary ready to roll against his former team even on a short week.
