Behind Enemy Lines: Bears – Falcons Game Preview
After reading through many opposing sites, there are a few conclusions that I have come to based off of their fan and local media reactions:
1. The 2-3 start for Atlanta has head coach Mike Smith on the hot seat. That sounds pretty familiar, doesn’t it?
2. Even though there is a tremendous amount of respect for the Bears skill positions, and the Atlanta pass rush has not been consistent, many folks in Atlanta feel that the Falcons will have no issues sustaining pressure.
3. There is little to no respect for the Bears pass rush (as there shouldn’t be until they prove it)
4. There’s a lot of excitement around running back Antone Smith– more so than Steven Jackson. Lets hope the Bears don’t awake a sleeping Giant.
Sep 28, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Devin Hester (17) breaks the tackle of Minnesota Vikings cornerback Captain Munnerlyn (24) and goes for a 36 yard touchdown in the third quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings win 41-28. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Summary
Last week, I said that it was a big game. This week is a much bigger game. I’m not ready to say that this is a must-win as no one from the NFC North seems to be running away with the division and a lot can change in the second half. However, this is very close to a must-win for the Bears. If the Bears drop to 2-4 with losses to 2 conference opponents that they may be neck and neck with by season’s end, we will have a problem in Chicago.
The Atlanta Falcons are almost a mirror image: coach on the hot-seat, issues rushing the passer, a team not living up to expectations, etc. With this game being called a must-win on both sides, one of these teams and cities is going to have a very long week and Monday.
My Prediction
This is a very talented Falcon offense and a very difficult place to win. The Bears will be without pro-bowlers Lance Briggs and Jermon Bushrod. The Bear defense has struggled against the Bills, Packers and Panthers – how can they possibly have success against Atlanta’s high powered attack?
Call me crazy, but I have a good feeling about this game and despite all of these factors, I think that the Bears pull off the upset. I know that everyone is down on this offense right now, but this offense has had a lot of success moving the ball this year against some pretty solid defenses, putting up around 350 yards/game. This Falcon defense is the worst that they have faced all year, in my opinion, and I think that this can be a breakout game for the offense. The Falcon defense has only 2 interceptions this year and are -2 in turnover differential, while the Bears are +1. Defensively, I feel that the indoor stadium and turf will help awaken this Bear pass rush, particularly Willie Young and Jared Allen who come from indoor teams. Matt Ryan and company will move the ball – but I don’t think they can protect it. Even though Cutler seems to have the most interceptions in the world according to certain meatball Bear fans – Matt Ryan has just as many with almost the same quarterback rating as Cutler in 2014. I think the Bears bounce back in a big way, with their backs against the wall.
Bears 30, Falcons 27 OT
Bear Fans – Stay behind your team, have faith and…….BEAR DOWN!!!!!!!
What’s your prediction???