With a first loss, what does the season hold for the Bears? And the fans?
One: Defense
Outside linebackers Sam Acho, Leonard Floyd, defensive ends Akiem Hicks, Roy Roberston-Harris, and corner backs Marcus Cooper and Kyle Fuller performed well, for the most part, in holding Atlanta. When they were on top of the ball carrier, they stopped him with full force. But there was an exception – after a Bears’ touchdown, in the fourth quarter, on the third down, they blew their coverage, allowing the Falcons’ to score. They need to pressure the quarterback more to avoid these bombs from hitting their targets.
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Two: Running back Tarik Cohen
To make up for Atlanta’s touchdown, Cohen gained 46 yards. By quarter four, he blasted through their coverage to the end zone. Upon this moment, signifying his first NFL touchdown, he took a knee, made the sign of the cross, and a sigh of relief that he made a play happen.
Three: Running back Jordan Howard
Like Cohen, quarterback Mike Glennon utilized Howard as well to earn yards; 24 to be exact after another Atlanta touchdown. Then after rushing yards for a couple of handoffs, he scored a touchdown as well.
Four: Offense
Offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains’s offense is too predictable. It appeared that the Bears ran, ran, ran until they were down, then throw, throw, throw. Technically, these are the only two choices, but shouldn’t the plays amount to countless combinations? Their options of wide receivers are limited due to injury, like Cameron Meredith and now, Kevin White, who went out with a shoulder injury.
Five: The Fourth Phase
Despite my seats being located in the far heights and depths of Solider Field, there was too much red for my liking. I expect a sprinkling of the opposing team’s colors, but for a home opener, the sprinkle was more like a downpour. Whenever Atlanta made a first down, the claps surrounded me. When they scored a touchdown, I felt like I was a visitor. By the time the score was Falcons 20, Bears 10, those wearing blue and orange flooded down and out; no wonder why traffic home wasn’t that bad.