Bears vs Falcons – 5 Questions with Blogging Dirty

We’ll try to do a quick Q&A with our network partners from that week’s opponent.  Due up first, Atlanta Falcons editor Jamie Kelly of Blogging Dirty.  Yes, the name of the Falcons site is Blogging Dirty.  Here are my five Q’s and his A’s.

1. The Falcons were the top seed in the NFC last season. Can they come close to matching that performance this season?

Although the Falcons might well have a better team than last year, it probably will not reflect that in the record. Atlanta have a tougher schedule this year and with stiff competition in the NFC South it is a bit too optimistic to say they will get the top seed in the NFC again. A more realistic prediction would be a 10 or 11 win season where Atlanta competes with New Orleans for the division title.

2. Who is an under the radar Falcons player that Bears fans might not know yet, but will definitely recognize after the game?

I would say Sean Weatherspoon, the first round pick from 2010 has looked very impressive in the pre season so far, where he is showing some real potential in both pass coverage and stopping the run. I expect him and Matt Forte to be seeing a lot of each other in this game!

3. Complete this sentence. The Falcons will beat the Bears if they…

Limit explosive plays by the Chicago Offense. Atlanta have a very good “bend but don’t break” Defense when they prevent explosive plays it is very difficult for opposing teams to score more than 20 points and with Atlanta’s offense, Chicago will need to score more than 20 points.

4. How about this one? The Bears can beat the Falcons if…

Stop Atlanta’s run game. If Michael Turner is getting 5+ yards a carry then Atlanta’s Offense will be nearly unstoppable even for a Defence as stout as Chicago’s. If Turner is constantly brought down for no gain then the game will be on Matt Ryan’s shoulders, which may give Chicago the opportunity to create turnovers and limit Atlanta’s offensive production.

5. What’s your prediction for the game? Include the final score please.

I think the Atlanta will win the game, purely because i see a big day for Michael Turner, he has looked fresh and rejuvenated so far this preseason and should keep the Offense balanced making it very tricky for the Bears Defense. As for the score i will go for 27 – 17 to Atlanta.

Be sure to check out my Q&A at Blogging Dirty which should be up on their site shortly.

BEAR DOWN!!!

Schedule