Three things to watch, Prediction: Bears-Falcons |
It has been a while since the Bears started a season 2-0, let along 3-0. They have a chance to do just that this weekend as they head to the ATL to take on the 0-2 Falcons. Record aside, the Falcons have been bit by some tough luck this year as they really should be 1-1 and had a shot to be 2-0.
On the flip side, Chicago has had luck on their side as they could easily be 0-2 and not 2-0. That is why they play the game as this has the making to be one of the better games this weekend. Atlanta has one of the premier scoring offenses in the game and has put that on full display this season. Chicago has one of the better defenses in the game and will continue to rely on that side of the ball going forward. Something must give this week. Will it be the offense to carry the Falcons, or will the Bears defense continue to step up when needed. We will find out in a couple of days, but here are some things to look for in this matchup.
Atlanta is getting known for historical games, but are on the wrong side of history more often than not. If their 28-3 meltdown in the Superbowl wasn't bad enough, the Falcons let a nine-point lead with less than three minutes to go get away last Sunday as the Cowboys recovered an onside kick before kicking the winning field goal. You know the Falcons are frustrated in themselves after allowing that to happen, so I am curious to see how they come out on Sunday. This is a home game for them, so expect them to be amped right from the beginning. It will be up to the Bears to match their intensity early and try to weather the storm.How do the Falcons respond?
Mitch Trubisky and the offense need to be on point:
Through two games this season, the Bears offense has left us wanting more. There have been three quarters in which they played great, and five quarters where once again they were stuck in neutral. That can't happen against a team like Atlanta.
As good as the Bears defense is, the Falcons have the firepower to put up points against them, so it will be up to Chicago to match them offensively. The Bears most likely won't need to score 30 plus points, but putting up 24-28 is certainly not out of the question as that is where the Falcons tend to be around.
For all the criticism Trubisky has taken thus far, now would be an excellent time for him to put a complete game together and prove the doubters wrong.
The Atlanta Falcons have allowed both the QB’s they’ve went up against to be NFC Offensive Player of the Week.
— DaWindyCity Productions (@DawindycityP) September 23, 2020
Will Mitch Trubisky be the 3rd? pic.twitter.com/gAGOQDaWAj
Force someone other than Julio to beat you:
Atlanta made many changes to their offense this season. Guys like Todd Gurley and Hayden Hurst are joining an already impressive unit led by Quarterback Matt Ryan. However, the team still runs through Julio Jones as he continues to be one of the premier receivers in the game.
However, Calvin Ridley has been carrying the passing game through two games as he has scored two touchdowns in each of the first two games. Despite that, the Bears need to force him or someone else to beat them and not let Jones get going.
Jones is the type of receiver that once he gets going, it is hard to stop him. His mix of speed, size, and athletic ability makes him a nightmare matchup for anyone, and Kyle Fuller will undoubtedly have his hands full if he is healthy enough to play. Fuller will be the key to this game as he will be tasked with locking Jones down to prevent him from having a big game.
The #Falcons have ruled out S Ricardo Allen and CB Kendall Sheffield for Sunday. WR Julio Jones (hamstring) will be among those who will take it up to game-time.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 25, 2020
With guys like Jaylon Johnson most likely covering Ridley, look for Ryan to target Ridley early to see how Chicago's rookie does. The better Fuller plays on Jones, the easier it will be for the Bears to cover Ridley and the rest of that unit. Jones will get his catches, but the key is preventing him from catching the big one.
Prediction: Falcons win 28-27
This is a Bears team that has the potential to be great this season. Looking at their schedule and you notice that the first month or so is the easiest part of their season, so now would be the time to rack up the wins. The matchup against Atlanta will be their biggest challenge to date, but a win is doable even on the road.
It will take a complete effort on both sides of the ball to get this done. The defense needs to continue doing what they do, while the offense needs to put a consistent game together. If that happens, Chicago should get to 3-0 this season as they look to keep pace with the Packers.
I think this game will come down to the final whistle once again, but it pains me to say the Falcons win this game 28-27. Dan Quinn is coaching for his job right now, and any further losses this early in the season won't help.
