Chicago Bears: Key players who must step up for Week 3 win vs. Falcons

The Chicago Bears will need these players to be up to the task in Week 3 against the Falcons.

I am old enough to remember former Chicago Cubs announcer Harry Caray call the team the “Cardiac Cubs” in a season when the team went through many close and exciting games. The 2020 version of the Chicago Bears is on that same level.

The Bears won their first two games of the season in thrilling fashion. Both victories were by four points and went down to the final play. In Week 1, they had to mount an incredible comeback to win. In Week 2, they built a big lead and then had to hold on for dear life to win.

We might have another close battle in Week 3. Chicago travels to Atlanta to take on the Falcons. The Falcons have one of the best offenses in the NFL, but also have one of, if not the, worst defense in the league.

Atlanta has given up 78 points this season. They held a 20-0 lead over the Dallas Cowboys in Week 2 but ended up losing the game.

One of the criticisms of the Bears is that they haven’t had a complete game yet this season. They could have their first one this week. The Falcons defense is bad against both the run and the pass. This is a chance for the Bears offense to look good.

On defense, the Bears have taken some heat for not being as dominating as many expected. Yes, they had an uneven performance in Week 1, but it was just basically between the middle of the second quarter to the middle of the third quarter. In that time period, they gave up 20 points. Take that away and they only gave up three points.

In Week 2, the Bears defense only allowed 13 points. Normally, that would be enough to cruise through an easy victory, especially when your offense scores 17 in the first half. In the end, the Bears defense bent but didn’t break. They forced the Giants to make small completions and didn’t give up the big plays.

Here are five key players who must step up for the Chicago Bears’ Week 3 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons.