It’s safe to say that the Falcons’ 3-2 start has been somewhat of a shocker. But Mike Smith and his staff have managed to take a team that was lacking in experience and heavy with questions (on the offensive line and at quarterback, especially), and make them believe they can win.
A good example of that came last week, when the Packers completed their second-half comeback to tie the game at 17-17 in the fourth quarter. Surely there could have been a feeling of “here we go again” on the sidelines with another road loss seemingly just around the bend. All of the momentum was on Green Bay’s side: historic Lambeau Field was rocking, Aaron Rodgers was firing on all cylinders, and the Atlanta defense was out of gas. But the Falcons believed. And they answered the call by scoring 10 consecutive points to secure the win.
Now the Falcons host the Chicago Bears with a chance to go into their bye week at 4-2, a record that would once again surprise everyone. Everyone, that is, except for the Falcons themselves.
Here are a few keys to beating Chicago.
1. CAGING THE BEARS
The offensive line passed the test last week, but controlling the Bears’ front seven, arguably the best in the league, is another story. Brian Urlacher is a playmaker of the caliber that this team hasn’t seen before, and he’s flanked by another big-time player in Lance Briggs. The line will only make things harder. Defensive tackle Tommie Harris is a three-time Pro Bowler, and Adewale Ogunleye (17 tackles) and Alex Brown (13 tackles, three sacks) are both imposing threats on the ends.
Right tackle Todd Weiner is the only starting O-lineman that has ever faced the Bears. It’s hard to simulate the ability of an Urlacher or Harris. Meanwhile, keep an eye on Ovie Mughelli, Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood, who will all draw the difficult assignment of picking up blitzes from that vaunted core of linebackers.
Winning the overall battle here might be too much to ask, but the Falcons must at least contain the Bears in this area if they want to have some success.
2. RYAN’S TIME
Ryan has managed the offense well this year. But last week he showed the ability to take over a football game in stretches. Considering the stingy Bears run ‘D’ (which is yielding just 74.2 yards per game), he will have to do that again this week if the offense wants to move the ball.
If the Bears defense has a weakness, it’s in the secondary. The pass defense is ranked 23rd in the NFL. They’re banged up, too. Starting cornerback Nathan Vasher is questionable for Sunday with a wrist injury, and Charles Tillman, the other starter at corner, only returned last week after being slowed by a shoulder problem.
Ryan has been asked to simply not lose the game so far this season. He might have to win it on Sunday.
3. FORCE TURNOVERS
Good field position is an absolute must if the Falcons want to score points on the Bears’ defense, and the Bears have had trouble keeping the ball this season, turning it over nine times. Kyle Orton is a guy that the Falcons can take out of the game if they get to him, and he might throw a pick or three if he feels the pressure.
The secondary has had its problems this year, but it has a favorable matchup this week, going up against a weak receiving tandem of Brandon Lloyd and Rashied Davis. Those guys aren’t exactly bona fide playmakers, so guys like Chris Houston and Brent Grimes are definitely candidates to snatch an interception.
Bagriansky can be reached at jbagriansky@scoreatl.com.
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