Falcons vs. Bears: 5 Things Atlanta Falcons Must Improve on from Week 1

The Chicago Bears dominated the Atlanta Falcons by a 30-12 score in this Sunday's season opener. The Bears simply dominated Atlanta in essentially all aspects of the game, and unfortunately for the Falcons, the schedule does not get any easier.

They play the Philadelphia Eagles next Sunday night.

If they want to hold out any hope for winning that game, here are five areas the Falcons need to improve in for next Sunday...

5. Limiting Turnovers

One of the biggest reasons that the Falcons earned a 13-3 record last season was the fact that they protected the ball.

Against the Bears, Matt Ryan was picked by Brian Urlacher and lost a fumble in which Urlacher took the fumble to the end zone for six. Even Michael Turner fumbled the rock and his ball security is arguably the best in the NFL.

The Falcons cannot turn the ball over multiple times if they expect to win the game against Philly.

4. Protecting Matt Ryan

Against the Bears, Matt Ryan was sacked five times and was constantly hurried. Now the Bears have one of the best pass rushes in the league, lead by DE Julius Peppers, but the Falcons have to protect Ryan.

The Falcons offense hurts defenses by beating the opposing team with the 15 to 20 pass routes to Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez. Ryan did not have the time he needed to pick apart the Bears defense.

3. More Offensive Balance

Matt Ryan attempted 47 passes against the Bears this past Sunday while Michael Turner only received ten carries.

Turner had 10 carries for 100 yards. The Falcons need to find the offensive balance that they were accustomed to last year.

I understand that when teams get down early they revert to the passing game, which is fine, but the Falcons make their mark with offensive balance.

2. Defensive Tackling

In yesterday's blowout, there were numerous times when the Falcons defense failed to wrap up the ball carrier.

Both Matt Forte and Devin Hester had receptions of over 50 yards when they both received the ball right at the line of scrimmage. The Falcons failed to wrap up and bring down the opposing player, especially on Matt Forte's reception.

The Falcons will need to wrap up next week against the weapons Philly can throw out on the field.

1. The Defensive Secondary

Jay Cutler picked apart the Falcons secondary. He threw for over 300 yards on 22 completions with only one interception. These numbers for Cutler are extremely good considering he is known for turning the ball over quite often.

The Falcons need their secondary to step up and make things difficult for the opposing teams quarterback.