Falcons’ offensive line faces tough challenge

Flowery Branch — Falcons offensive line coach Paul Boudreau knows his unit is facing a big challenge against the Bears’ defensive front.

“The biggest thing is they’ve got helmets on and they are going to try to pound our guys with the ball,” Boudreau said. “Our deal is, if your guy is making the tackle you better be with him. You better be on him and banging him just as hard as he’s banging our backs.”

Ball security

The Bears have scored 46 points off 10 turnovers this season. The ringleader is cornerback Charles Tillman, who has two forced fumbles and has two interceptions.

“They are a very opportunistic defense,” Smith said.

Falcons’ ball carriers have been put on notice.

“One thing we talk about in our room and as a team is ball security,” Falcons running back coach Gerald Brown said. “So far right we’re really good with that. We feel like that’s one of the winning edges.”

Billick makes the call

Former Baltimore Ravens coach Brian Billick will work the Falcons’ game against the Bears on Sunday in his new role as TV analyst for Fox.

Billick is the brother-in-law of Falcons head coach Mike Smith, who served as Billick’s linebackers coach for the Ravens from 1999 to 2002.

Billick was set to meet with Smith and some Falcons as part of the pre-production meeting on Friday and will sit down with the Bears on Saturday.

“We all tend to be secretive and provincial in the way we look at things, but I’ve really enjoyed those conversations,” Billick said. “Of course [my] relationship [with Mike] goes back so far. We usually talk on a regular basis anyway. It’s fun to watch him implementing his philosophy and watching his team play.”

Smith was a surprise choice as the Falcons coach after serving as defensive coordinator in Jacksonville. But Billick thought he’d make a good head coach.

“There’s no pretense about him,” Billick said. “What you see is what you get. The players respond to that. I think the organization and the fans are responding to that and recognize that. It’s all about football. That’s what it should be about.”

Billick, who guided the Ravens to victory in Super Bowl XXXV, likes Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan.

“He’s conducting himself in a way that belies his age,” Billick said. “I’ve been very impressed. He’ll have a good test this Sunday because this is a good Bears defense that he’s going to face.

“It’s all a part of his maturation process. They have a great pick in Matt Ryan. I think he’s going to be here for a long time.”

Billick, who will broadcast the game with Thom Brennaman, may get back into coaching if the right opportunity comes along.

“I’m just focusing on the job that I’m doing,” Billick said. “At the end [of the season], regrettably there will be the typical five, six of seven jobs available. It’s really about a marriage, a partnership. If the right partnership presents itself, it’s something that I’ll certainly have to consider but I’m enjoying what I’m doing now and that’s where my focus is.”

Billick credits his co-workers at Fox for helping his transition into the booth.

“Of course my background is PR Communications, but I don’t know that really prepares you for this,” Billick said. “I have been surrounded by a lot of good people. They’ve been great in terms of coaching me up and taking care of the rookie.”

Buck Lanford of local affiliate Fox 5 Atlanta will serve as the sideline reporter.

Abraham action figure

The first 10,000 fans into the Georgia Dome on Sunday will receive a John Abraham action figure with “Defend the Dome” inscribed.

Grammy Award-winning artist Robin Thicke will perform at halftime. In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, 20,000 pink wristbands and 700 “Warriors in Pink” T-shirts will be distributed.