IF the Falcons want to defeat the Chicago Bears this Sunday, there’s one thing they must do. Both teams have suffered through quarterback chaos, forcing them to rely on the ground game to stay alive. The Falcons sit at 2-3 after a heartbreaking loss to Baltimore, while the Bears hold a 3-2 record despite their own struggles at the position. This game comes down to one simple truth: the team that wins the line of scrimmage wins the day. If the Falcons fail to control the front, they will lose.
Two Rushing Attacks Collide
Both offenses are built to run the ball, and the stats prove it. The Chicago Bears lead the entire league with 173.2 rushing yards per game, powered by D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai. The Falcons are right behind them in second place with 166.8 yards per game, led by Bijan Robinson and Brian Robinson. When Michael Penix Jr. was asked about the next step for his offense on Wednesday, he gave a blunt answer: “Just keep handing it off.” That is the only plan that works. Following a two-game suspension for violating the league’s performance-enhancing substances policy, Montez Sweat is absent from the Bears’ field. The Falcons must exploit this absence by running right at the remaining defenders.
Grady Jarrett Returns to Atlanta
There is one major obstacle for the Falcons to clear on Sunday. Bears defensive tackle Grady Jarrett is returning to Mercedes-Benz Stadium for the first time in a decade. Having spent the first 10 years of his career with the Falcons, he is familiar with every play call. Jarrett spoke to the media on Wednesday and said, according to the Messenger, “My time in Atlanta was well served.” He also noted the special nature of the return, saying, “It’s gonna be great to go up against him for the first time.” Bijan Robinson, the man who will try to run over him, is not intimidated. Robinson said he looks forward to the matchup and added, “And I just know what kind of competitor he is on the field and how much he affects an offense.” This is a battle of wills right at the line of scrimmage.
Quarterback Drama Fades Into Background
Quarterbacks love to be the center of attention and discussion, but for Sunday all eyes are on the line. Chicago coach Ben Johnson admitted this week that “a lot of things have gone through our minds” about his depth chart, and the Falcons feel that same stress. Both Caleb Williams and Michael Penix Jr. are expected to start after returning to full practice. Penix took a shot to the ribs in the fourth quarter of the last game but is now a full go. The Bears have had a turbulent week with multiple quarterbacks throwing interceptions. In five games, the Falcons have seen a record four quarterbacks throw interceptions. The team that controls the line will dictate the pace. The Falcons have the home crowd and the better run game. They must use both to break Jarrett’s defense.
