BEARS: And so it begins. The last we saw of the Bears, they were defeated by hated rival Green Bay in the NFC Championship Game. Quarterback Jay Cutler was put out of action and had his toughness questioned by all kinds of players and pundits alike, as he didn’t look like he was actually in any pain. That was unfair, and no, I don’t question Cutler’s toughness. The guy gets sacked what seems like twenty times a game, so he’s a tough dude. However, the team didn’t bother to really improve in their major areas of weakness, so tomorrow afternoon hosting Atlanta, the 2011-2012 Bears step foot onto the field looking a lot like the 2010-2011 Bears.
FALCONS: Unfortunately, that isn’t going to be enough. Though the game is at Soldier Field, the Falcons won’t have footing issues or anything like that, since the game is taking place during the nicest time of the year. The Falcons are primed to make a return trip to the playoffs and would be disappointed if they don’t at least make it to the NFC Title Game.
OFFENSE:
This is a no-brainer. Atlanta was superior to most teams offensively last season, except for Green Bay. Not much is different this season, except for the fact that Atlanta added to their offense. They traded up to draft Julio Jones, who figures to only spread the field even more for Roddy White, Tony Gonzalez, and Michael Turner. As if the Falcons needed more firepower. Matt Ryan will be fully matured this season and will have a great year. He will have total control over a simply ridiculous offensive machine.
The Bears counter with Jay Cutler and Roy Williams. Not exactly a feared duo. The running game will be okay with Matt Forte, but Marion Barber is not playing, so the one-two punch that the Bears actually do have will be absent. The Bears just don’t have the playmakers Atlanta does.
EDGE: Atlanta
DEFENSE:
While Atlanta has improved its defense, it still got exposed and thrashed by the Packers in their playoff game. There are holes to be exploited in the defense. On the other hand, that loss is sure to leave a bad taste in the defense’s mouth, and they will be looking to show they are not pushovers. The Bears’ offense will be in for a tough game against this unit.
The Bears win this category, though. They do have the better defensive unit. Unfortunately, they are going up against a buzzsaw in the Atlanta offense. They won’t give up 40 points or anything like that, but as last year showed, they can get tired and if the offense is punting constantly, it’ll be a long day for Urlacher and Co.
EDGE: Bears
SPECIAL TEAMS:
A quick note on special teams. The Bears’ special teams have been outstanding the last few years and have always been a difference maker for them. Even with the new kickoff rule, unless things take a drastic turn, the Bears’ special teams will ALWAYS be better than their opponents. Thus, I won’t even bother with this section going forward.
PREDICTION:
Just because the Bears have the better defense doesn’t mean they will win. Atlanta will score at least three times, and win 24-14.
Info from Yahoo! Sports
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