(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
The 3-1 Chicago Bears and 3-1 Atlanta Falcons will square off Sunday night in what is shaping up to be the game of the week.
The Atlanta Falcons beat an improving San Francisco team in week five after coming off their bye week in week four. The Falcons’ performance was nothing short of outstanding with 477 total yards, the most by the team since Dec. 22, 2002.
Atlanta's smash mouth offensive attack was led by the talented Matt Ryan, who completed 22 of 32 passes for 329 yards. As a result, he celebrated two TDs and also ran for a late score.
Ryan’s trusted receiver, Roddy White, had a 90-yard catch-and-run for a touchdown and a 31-yard TD reception. White had a career-high 210 receiving yards, which broke Terance Mathis' previous franchise record of 198 set on Dec. 13, 1998 vs. New Orleans.
This season Atlanta is the only team in the NFL that has players ranked in the top seven at QB, RB, WR, and TE.
Last season the Falcons had no true leading rusher; however, this year Chicago native Michael Turner has 87 carries for 323 yards and five TDs. Three of the five came last week against the 49ers. His stock value is on the rise, and he’s showing that a little trickery with raw talent in the backfield can get you ranked in the top seven RBs in the league.
Defensively Atlanta has improved from last season. This defense ranked 13th overall in fewest points allowed per game. Currently they rank fourth and continue showing improvement every week.
One gleaming beam of concern for this unit is the pass rush. The unit is currently ranked 26th in sacks with a total of eight coming into the game against Chicago. That’s nothing shocking, however, because Atlanta fans have questioned the offseason moves as inadequate in acquiring better pass rush players.
The Chicago Bears are coming out of their bye week with a healthier and rested roster. The question remains if Chicago can play football in the first half. Chicago has been terrible in its entire first halves this season, getting outscored 31-7 in the first quarter of play.
The Chicago Bears' offensive attack has been traditionally a run-first scheme; however, with quarterback Jay Cutler under center, Chicago has shown flexibility on changing that scheme to an air attack if needed. Against the Lions, Cutler was 18-of-28 on completions, with 144 yards and two TDs and one rushing TD.
Chicago’s running game sparked some life during week four against the Detroit Lions, led by Matt Forte, who had 12 carries for 121 yards and one TD.
The lackluster running attack shows a weakness on the offensive line, and sources have LT Frank Omiyale on the bubble of losing his starting position to Josh Beekman.
Chicago’s defense will be tested against the Falcons' high-powered offense. The Bears have had three starting linebacker combinations in four games after injuries to Brian Urlacher, Pisa Tinoisamoa, and Hunter Hillenmeyer.
Tinoisamoa will return to action against Atlanta at strong-side linebacker. The Bears will be without middle linebacker Hillenmeyer; however, his replacement Nick Roach has been playing good football, and some speculate that he will remain the starter even when Hillenmeyer is back.
Chicago will need to continue its strong pass rush on Sunday to keep Matt Ryan uncomfortable in the pocket. Atlanta's quarterback had a breakout performance in last year’s game against the Bears, completing 22 of 30 passes for 301 yards with one touchdown and a 116.1 passer rating.
Chicago is looking to make a statement after last year's disappointing loss against the Falcons. The teams will be ready, and the cameras will be rolling for this highly anticipated Sunday night prime time game.
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