Chicago Bears at Atlanta Falcons: Week 3 Game Prediction

The Chicago Bears have some momentum building after their first two weeks of 2020. Then again, beating the Lions and Giants hasn’t exactly earned them tons of credibility. The only thing to do is push forward. Next on the agenda are the Atlanta Falcons. This might be their biggest challenge to date. Not only is it a team boasting a Pro Bowl quarterback, but also a top 10 run defense.

Two things the Bears have yet to contend with this season. So what can people expect from this game? One thing is for sure. It’s got some fascinating subplots and matchups. Enough to where it could be yet another game that goes down to the wire. Not exactly something fans of either team want to hear.

Chicago Bears at Atlanta Falcons Week 3 breakdown

Storylines:

Breakout time for Mitch Trubisky – Through two weeks, the Falcons have the second-worst pass defense in the NFL. To be fair they played against two Pro Bowl quarterbacks in Dak Prescott and Russell Wilson. Even so, Atlanta has been generous through the air. It could get even worse as both of their starting defensive ends, Takkarist McKinley and Dante Fowler Jr., have yet to practice this week due to injury. If Mitch Trubisky were looking for a springboard game to find his rhythm? This is it.

The last stand of Dan Quinn – Already considered on the hot seat when the season began, Dan Quinn is in big trouble now after starting 0-2. That includes blowing a huge lead to the Cowboys last week. In the past, he’s been able to circle the wagons and survive. This time though it feels like Quinn might be running out of time. He’ll need to coach a flawless game in this one.

Injury news:

Julio Jones (hamstring) – This is a huge development. Jones has yet to practice this week after reportedly aggravating an existing hamstring problem in Dallas. He remains the Falcons’ go-to guy and someone defenses have to gameplan for. If he can’t go? Then Atlanta loses one of their most important weapons. Historically, Ryan has a much tougher time when Jones isn’t on the field.

John Jenkins (thumb) – Nose tackle became an instant issue when Eddie Goldman opted out of 2020. Now that problem is growing. His original backup, John Jenkins suffered a torn ligament in his thumb. The Bears are forced to place him on injured reserve, knocking him out for at least the next three weeks. That leaves just Bilal Nichols and the newly acquired Daniel McCullers as their options in the middle against Pro Bowl center Alex Mack.

Key matchups:

Hayden Hurst vs. Deon Bush – One area the Bears have had a hard time defending so far is the middle of the field. A big reason for that? The sudden decline of linebacker Danny Trevathan. Opposing tight ends have taken advantage of his notable loss of speed. This has forced defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano to assign safety Deon Bush that task more often. He’ll have a challenge in the big and athletic Hayden Hurst.

Allen Robinson vs. Isaiah Oliver – If there’s one guy to be afraid of this week, it’s Allen Robinson. He had a rough game against New York, which is unusual for him. So it is fair to expect he’ll come out with something to prove in Atlanta. The guy the Bears will likely try to pick on is Isaiah Oliver. He’s been targeted 16 times this season, allowing 11 catches for 154 yards and a touchdown. Good for a 120.3 passer rating.

X-factors:

Calvin Ridley – The former 1st round pick is by far the best weapon on the Falcons offense this year. He’s looked so explosive and is a nightmare to cover due to his speed and route-running skill. Even if Jones is out, the Bears will have to respect him at all times as the Falcons are sure to try to get him into matchups where he can hit a big play.

Darnell Mooney – Easily the biggest surprise of this season is the Bears’ young 5th round rookie. Already in two games, Mooney has flashed so much potential with his diverse array of skills. Not only is he wicked fast. He’s also deceptively sharp as a route runner. Chicago hasn’t tried to hit him deep yet. This might be the game to do as Atlanta has proven generous on that front.

Prediction: Bears win 27-24

The truth is the Bears just aren’t in a spot yet where they know how to win easy. Each of the past two have come down to literally the last play. They have no reason to feel cocky going into this one. Atlanta is wounded but also desperate. They’re likely to bring everything they have. In the end, the Chicago Bears will get a solid enough game from the offense to return home 3-0.