The Atlanta Falcons were playing great against the Chicago Bears, until the fourth quarter. Then, right on cue, the Falcons crumbled and let the Bears back in the game before losing, 30-26.
Despite dealing with several injuries, this was the kind of loss that could — and probably should — get head coach Dan Quinn fired. Let’s recap all three phases from Sunday’s loss, which dropped Atlanta to 0-3 on the year.
Offense
Calvin Ridley did it again for the Falcons on Sunday, finishing with five catches for 110 yards. Quarterback Matt Ryan was good in the first half but he threw eight straight incompletions and a late interception that sealed the win for Chicago.
The loss overshadowed what was an impressive performance from Atlanta’s offensive line for most of the game. RB Brian Hill got loose for a 35-yard touchdown run, and added a 22-yard gain on a screen pass. Todd Gurley seemed to get going in the second half.
He finished with 80 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries. Wide receiver Russell Gage left the game with a possible head injury and didn’t return.
Defense
Defense was shorthanded and should be commended for a gritty performance. Darqueze Dennard was solid but Isaiah Oliver struggled again. The Falcons again had trouble playing with a lead on defense and gave up some huge plays in predictable fashion.
The pass rush wasn’t great, but got the job done until the Falcons went into a more conservative defense in the second half. Pro-Bowl DT Grady Jarrett left the game early in the fourth quarter and didn’t return — which didn’t help Atlanta late in the game.
The secondary was decimated by injuries, but it was still a winnable game that the team couldn’t put away.
Special Teams
Younghoe Koo went 2-for-3 on field goals, with a missed extra point that would prove costly. The Falcons lost by four points, which is exactly what Koo’s misses would have added up to. This game wasn’t decided by Atlanta’s special teams units, though.
Kick returner Brandon Powell consistently found space on his returns. Sterling Hofrichter averaged 38.8 yards per punt, with two pinned inside the Bears’ 20.
[lawrence-related id=58362,58442,58399,58434,58417,58419]
[vertical-gallery id=58387]