FOXBORO -- It's been an interesting few weeks for Richard Seymour.

The New England Patriots' veteran defensive lineman has been playing with an elbow injury. His playing time was cut during critical moments of a loss to the New York Jets on Nov. 12, and he voiced his opinion about it. The NFL fined him $7,500 for stomping on the head of Colts' Tarik Glenn in a loss to Indianapolis on Nov. 5.

The last two weeks, Seymour's been on a mission.

His play against Green Bay was critical, and he followed that up with a tremendous performance Sunday against the Chicago Bears, recording a blocked field-goal attempt, a recovered fumble and a sack.

After the 17-13 victory over the Bears, his focus was on the team's ability to post a big-time win.

"You just try to get some plays in any way you can," said Seymour. "That's what it takes to win at this point of the season. It's that time of year you need your best players to step up and take control of the game at times. Bottom line is, it's that time of year. This is when teams start to separate themselves and really make a mark on what type of team you're going to be."

There were many keys to Sunday's victory for the Patriots, but Seymour's blocked field-goal attempt with 5:02 remaining in the first quarter kept the game scoreless. The block -- on a 45-yard attempt -- was the sixth of Seymour's career, including the playoffs, and the block of the season for the team.

It was the first time this season that Chicago kicker Robbie Gould missed a field goal; he entered the game a perfect 26-for-26, dating back to last season. Gould nailed 24 this season before Seymour was able to get his big mitt on the ball.

What also made the play interesting was that it followed a 5-yard penalty against the Bears for false start. As the yellow flags fell to the ground, Gould's first attempt sailed through the uprights. The ball was moved back five yards, and Seymour came up with the block on the second attempt.

Seymour's other big play was his fumble recovery early in the second quarter. With the game still scoreless, the Bears were within striking distance when Rex Grossman fumbled a snap at the Patriots' 15-yard line. Seymour pounced on the loose ball -- his first recovery of the season and the fourth of his career. The play set up New England's first scoring drive.

Patriots coach Bill Belichick never likes to single out individual performances, but in his opening postgame statement, he said certain players made the difference in an otherwise mistake-riddled game.

"We had some guys step up and make some big plays at the right time," said the coach. "That's what ended up being the difference in the game."

Certainly Belichick's comments could be taken as a compliment to Seymour.

If he continues to lead by example and play the way he has the last two weeks, the Patriots won't have to worry about any more distractions from one of their veteran leaders.