There are so many storylines heading into the Chicago Bears' Week 6 showdown against the Atlanta Falcons, but it may come down to just a few matchups that could make the difference in the game.
Everyone is focused on Caleb Williams potentially returning as the Bears' quarterback. Even with the impact Williams can make, other parts of this game matter more than his return.
Three matchups could make the difference between the Bears bouncing back with a win and starting a new multi-game losing streak. Here's a look at the key matchups.
Matchups to watch in Bears-Falcons Week 6 game
Jake Matthews vs. Austin Booker
Matthews has been banged up for the last few weeks, but continues to come through. He has started 201 games and was a Pro Bowler in 2018, but is about as reliable a starter as any left tackle.
Booker is on pace to have the best season of his career after four sacks in five games. He will have a bigger role in this game, as Dayo Odeyingbo and Montez Sweat are out.
This comes down to whether Booker can keep his hot streak going and handle more attention. Chicago doesn't have two of their top pass rushers, so it falls on him to get it down.
Drake London vs. Jaylon Johnson
London may not have a touchdown this season, but he's still one of the NFL's top receivers. He is currently fourth in receiving yards with 488.
Johnson, by contrast, has had the worst start to his NFL career. He has allowed a passer rating of 118.6 and a Pro Football Focus coverage grade of 38.8, ranking 97th among 104 qualified NFL cornerbacks.
If Johnson wants to prove that he can be the 2023 and 2024 Pro Bowl corner he once was, he has to shut down London. Losing this matchup could cost Johnson his job.
Gervon Dexter vs. Garrett Bradbury
Dexter is one of the NFL's top pass-rushing defensive tackles, and the Bears should know that better than anyone. He led the Bears in sacks last year, but the team chose to trade him before the season began.
Bradbury is in his first season with the Bears at center after replacing Drew Dalman on the heels of his retirement announcement in the offeseason. Through five games, Bradbury has been up and down with eight pressures, one hurry, and one sack allowed in 212 pass-blocking snaps.
Read more: 6 X-factors for Bears' Week 6 showdown against the Falcons
The Bears need more out of their center and he's got a tough matchup against a great pass rusher. Bradbury needs to win to prove that he can hold strong as the starting center of this team.
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