In a battle of defending division champions, the Falcons were pummeled 30-12 by the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on Sunday. The Falcons’ list of miscues was long: penalties, dropped interceptions, missed tackles, an interception, two fumbles and five sacks of quarterback Matt Ryan, who was hit on 11 other plays.
What we learned
1. Pass defense must improve: This is turning into a standing item. The defense finished 22nd against the pass last season and gave up 312 yards to Jay Cutler. There were untimely breakdowns in coverage. Chicago wide receiver Roy Williams, who was run out of Dallas, was left wide open on one early third down; he had four catches for 55 yards. If the Falcons couldn't account for Williams in coverage, what are they going to do this week with Philadelphia's DeSean Jackson?
2. Hit, wrap and lift: The missed tackles were disturbing because the Falcons defense is usually swift to the ball and normally delivers a wallop. The unit's yards after contact are normally very low, but the Bears rambled through the entire defense on two screen plays. The team doesn't practice tackling much and is allowed only one padded practice per week. The Falcons insist they can get better with a simple "attitude adjustment."
3. Turnovers kill: The Falcons lost the turnover battle and two of Ryan's led to 14 points and Michael Turner's fumble was a drive killer.
Injury report
Fullback Ovie Mughelli (right knee) left the game. Defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux (shoulder/knee) and wide receiver Harry Douglas (injury unknown) left the field early. Center Todd McClure (knee) started working out with the trainers on Monday. Defensive tackle Corey Peters (knee) is close to returning.
The numbers game
38.4
Rookie punter Matt Bosher’s average on five punts.
8
Wide receiver Roddy White's team-leading receptions for 61 yards.
72
Tight end Tony Gonzalez's receiving yardage on five catches.
65
The Falcons' yardage from nine penalties. The Falcons were the least penalized team in the league last season with just 58 infractions. .
Sound bite
“If you lose the turnover battle in the NFL, it’s almost like you automatically lose the game. They did a good job and we did a bad job. You get your [behind] kicked when that happens in this league.”
--Right tackle Tyson Clabo
Loose ends
Gonzalez has caught at least one pass in 164 consecutive games. ... Wide receiver Roddy White has caught at least one pass in 69 straight games. ... Gonzalez also increased his career receptions to 1,074; he is four catches shy of tying wide receiver Terrell Owens (1,078) for fifth on the NFL’s all-time receptions list. ... The Falcons had five plays that went for 20 yards or more, including Michael Turner’s 53-yard run. Rookie wide receiver Julio Jones had receptions for 32 and 28 yards. Gonzalez had a 30-yard catch and Turner had a 20-yard reception.
What’s next
Atlanta (0-1) hosts Michael Vick and the Philadelphia Eagles (1-0) at 8:20 p.m. in nationally-televised game Sunday at the Georgia Dome. Led by Kevin Kolb, the Eagles beat the Falcons 31-17 last season in Philadelphia. Vick was injured.
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