Atlanta Falcons: 3 Bold predictions for Week 3 vs. Bears
3. Falcons run defense will be put to the test
So far this season, Atlanta’s defense has been able to hold opposing offenses in check, with the exception of the fourth quarter against Dallas in Week 2. This week against the Bears, the Falcons will have one of their biggest tests in the running defense they’ve had to deal with thus far in the 2020 campaign.
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Through two weeks, Chicago has displayed its dedication to the run game and putting the ball on the ground more often than not. Going into Week 3, the Bears have shown the tendency to run the ball more than throw it in the passing attack, and that could end up playing in the Falcons’ favor.
A week ago, Atlanta faced a team in Dallas that aired the ball out often, granted the Cowboys were coming from behind for most of the game. This weekend against Chicago, that will likely be the exact opposite and the Falcons will showcase what they can do against the run often.
In two games, the Bears have tallied a total of 60 rushing attempts, which ranks 11th in the NFL. They have totaled 284 yards on the ground, which ranks 10th most in the league here early in the year.
When it comes to the passing game, Chicago has attempted 64 pass attempts, which is the 10th fewest in the league.
On the other side of the ball, Atlanta’s run defense has given up just 209 yards on the ground, which ranks ninth in the NFL. The Falcons have allowed opposing offenses to run for an average of 4.1 yards per carry, which is 10th in the league.
This week, Atlanta’s run defense will show us exactly what they are capable of against a team that has the tendency to run the ball rather than air it out.