I originally chalked this game up as a loss before the season due to my belief that this will be a shoot out we won't be able to keep up with. Its hard to bet on the Bears scoring 30 points, regardless of the defense we go up against and I think that is what we will need to beat the Falcons. I do like our ability to clamp down in the redzone on defense, but Atlanta should have no problem moving the ball.
Now I'm second guessing my prediction due to it seeming as if Atlanta is on the verge of imploding. I also think Mitch has played well and got 2 unfortunate interceptions from trying to make a play down the field. I'd rather him stay agressive than sit back and go 3-out by throwing to 3 yard curl routes. Also, the OLine has looked promising and has held up, especially in the run game where we have averaged over 140+ rushing yards in the first two games. I'm starting to think we may be able to keep up in a shootout, if we limit the mistakes and play against a subpar defense like the Falcons. We will need to control the clock with the run game, limiting the possession the Falcons offense has.
Still have us losing 31-27, but putting up a valiant offensive effort that makes us more concerned about the Defense and has Pace scrounging the free-agent market for some help.
