Bears Hunger For Dirtybirds

The Chicago Bears are hoping that the dominance that was displayed last week against the Detroit Lions will carry over into the Georgia Dome when they face-off against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 6. Both teams have 3-2 records, and have lost to the same two teams, the Carolina Panthers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. These similarities might be an indication of a close game between the two.

After amassing 425 total yards on offense last week, the Chicago will look to do the same against a Falcons defense that is giving up an average of 347.4 yards per game (23 rd in the league). Hopefully rookie Matt Forte will be more effective running the ball, since in his first five games his rushing yards have decrease (123, 92, 89, 43, & 36). But Forte’s low numbers on the ground could be due to Kyle Orton’s recent play on the field. The four-year pro from Purdue has had consecutive career games, throwing for three touchdowns and gaining over 300 yards in the air in Weeks 4 and 5 respectively. The Falcons gave up 313 passing yards and three touchdowns against Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers last week. Orton and the Bears offense should be able to put up similar numbers, as long as the offensive line can keep Falcons defensive end John Abraham off of Orton. Abraham leads the NFL with seven sacks.

The real match-up to watch in this game will be the Chicago defense versus the Atlanta offense. The Bears’ defense ranks eighth in the NFL in average yards given up per game (297.6), while the Falcons’ offense have the same ranking in average yards gained per game (344.8). Led by Brian Urlacher, Lance Briggs, and Tommie Harris, who is coming off of suspension, the defense will have the difficult task of slowing down the league’s leading rusher in running back Michael Turner. The 244-pound Turner, who attended North Chicago High School and Northern Illinois University, will be looking forward to facing the team he grew up watching. Not only will the Bears have to worry about Atlanta’s rushing attack, but if slated to play, they will have to worry about shadowing wide receiver Roddy White, who hasn’t practiced this week due to a head injury. White is third in the league in receiving yards with 454. Cornerback Nathan Vasher, who injured his wrist in Week 4, is expected to return to action after practicing Thursday for the first time this week.

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With over a quarter of the season done, the NFC North leading Chicago Bears have come to the point where every game is crucial. There isn’t really much room for comfort having the Packers and the Minnesota Vikings only one game behind in the standings. This win will not only extend Chicago’s winning streak to three, but they will continue to have sole possession of first place in the division—and hopefully for the remainder of the season.

By Clyde A. Speller
ProFootball-fans.com Chicago Bears Correspondent