Falcons defensive end Ray Edwards vs. Bears right tackle Gabe Carimi: Edwards, the team's major offseason acquisition on defense, had eight sacks last season for Minnesota. Carimi, a rookie from Wisconsin, will make his first start in the NFL. Edwards got off to a slow start last season, registering one sack in the first seven games. He had offseason knee surgery during the lockout, but appears fully recovered.
Falcons defensive end John Abraham vs. Bears tackle J'Marcus Webb: Abraham led the team with 13 sacks and 17 quarterback hurries last season. Webb started 12 games last season and is a promising young player. He struggled with keeping up his intensity during the exhibition season.
Falcons punter Matt Bosher vs. Bears returner Devin Hester: Bosher, a rookie from Miami, had a spotty exhibition season and will be called on to kick to the game's most dangerous returner in his first game in the NFL. He has a live leg, but is not nearly as crafty with his kicks as his predecessor Michael Koenen.
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