WHEN NEW ENGLAND HAD THE BALL

This is all you have to understand about New England's offensive performance Sunday: The Patriots are the first team this season to amass 300 total yards on the Chicago Bears, one of the best defensive teams in the league ... Despite two interceptions, quarterback Tom Brady was on target all game when he needed to be. It seemed like he had a little more zip and accuracy on the ball. Like in last week's game against Green Bay, Brady connected with wide receivers, tight ends and running backs en route to victory ... Brady used the no-huddle offense effectively in the closing minute of the first half, setting up Stephen Gostkowski's 52-yard field goal to give New England a 10-3 advantage ... When Brady needed the big play, he was able to produce, connecting with Ben Watson on a 40-yard completion ... Brady even ran the ball and collected a first down within the red zone that set up another scoring drive in the fourth quarter ... The Bears have an uncanny ability to strip the ball, which was evident Sunday. But Chicago couldn't convert on most of the turnovers.

WHEN CHICAGO HAD THE BALL

Bears quarterback Rex Grossman was getting a ton of time to throw the ball, and when he did feel pressure, his receivers did a solid job, making tough catches ... Chicago was a big-play threat and proved it at the end of the first quarter ... The Bears' offensive line was making the necessary holes for the running game to be effective, but the Patriots' defense kept the damage to a minimum. New England's secondary, mainly Asante Samuel, had a huge game and stifled Chicago's chances.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Because both teams are solid defensively, it was no secret that this game could come down to a play on special teams. The Patriots' Richard Seymour blocked a 45-yard field-goal attempt in the first quarter, and teammate Mike Wright deflected a punt in the second quarter. Gostkowski needed to make a long field goal, and his 52-yarder provided it.

COACHING

Numerous players in the Patriots' locker room after Sunday's victory admitted that the team has been watching Chicago films for much of the season, and it was obvious Bill Belichick had his team prepared for this one ... Belichick spoke early last week about what goes into his decision to challenge a play. He threw the red flag on the last play of the first quarter, which stood as a catch, and the Pats were charged with a time out ... The Bears' Lovie Smith decided to go for three points in the fourth quarter, instead of trying for the first down (fourth-and-6 on the Pats' 14-yard line). Gould nailed the 32-yarder, but on the Bears' next possession, with 1:52 remaining Grossman's first attempt at a deep pass was intercepted, ending the Bears' chances. Smith said afterward that he stood by his decision to go for the field goal.

INTANGIBLES

The new FieldTurf stood the test and helped the Patriots in this one. With the victory, Brady improved to 20-1 on the fake stuff ... Until Sunday, the Patriots hadn't played too well at home this season, so the victory over Chicago could be just what New England needed as a springboard for the remaining two games at home this season.