Atlanta Falcons def. Chicago Bears: 5 Quick Impressions

CHICAGO, IL – SEPTEMBER 10: Austin Hooper /

The Atlanta Falcons defeated the Chicago Bears 23-17 in a thrilling game at Soldier Field that came down to the final seconds.

It was a nice change of pace from many of the laughers that pockmarked week one of the 2017 NFL season. For the Falcons it was a nice way to shake off the nightmares of the Super Bowl back in February while the Bears could take at least a little solace in knowing that came seconds away from knocking off the NFC champions.

A lot happened in this game, much of it surprising on both sidelines. Much of it leaving a huge impression on the weeks and months to come. Here are five things worth noting.

Austin Hooper has become an X-factor

Granted, the biggest of the two catches by the Falcons tight end was a gift from the Bears defense on a busted coverage. However, the fact he got down the field so quickly and then the run after the catch showcased how dangerous Hooper can be. Opponents already have enough to deal with in terms of Julio Jones, Taylor Gabriel and Mohamed Sanu. Adding a tight end to that mix borders on not being fair. Time will tell if it was a fluke game or the start of something bigger.

Lack of continuity in Bears secondary burned them

Speaking of “that” play, people got a close-up view of what can happen when an entire unit is overhauled. Keep this in mind. Every starter in the Bears secondary last season did not start this season. Quintin Demps, Eddie Jackson, and Marcus Cooper were new faces while Kyle Fuller missed all of 2016 with a knee injury. These guys weren’t used to playing with each other, and that lack of chemistry and communication led to the giant busted coverage on Hooper for an 88-yard touchdown.

Falcons defensive speed was vital to win

The one thing that stands out above all with the Atlanta defense is their speed. Their front seven, particularly the linebackers were everywhere. This is a good thing too because without it there’s a chance they don’t win this game. The play that reflects it the most was when Deivondre Campbell managed to knock down what would’ve been a long touchdown pass to Tarik Cohen in the 4th quarter. He literally ran all the way down the field with the speedy back. That play forced the Bears to chew up more time scoring, leading to their running out of it on the final drive.

Cohen and Jordan Howard are a dangerous 1-2 punch

The Bears may not have any receivers but they certainly are loaded at running back. Jordan Howard is already a Pro Bowler and scored a touchdown in the game. What people weren’t ready for was Cohen. The undersized but electric rookie out of North Carolina A&T gave the Falcons defense fits for 60 minutes. He had big plays as a runner, receiver and punt returner. Adding all that to Howard’s power-oriented approach gives Chicago loads of options in the backfield.

Atlanta secondary still has work to do

Holding Mike Glennon to under 200 yards passing isn’t a big feat for the Falcons secondary. First of all he’s a backup masquerading as a starter and managed over 160 yards in the 4th quarter without his two most talented wide receivers in Cameron Meredith and Kevin White. It was a rehash of what happened to them in the Super Bowl. They have to get better about shutting these sorts of things down late or they’ll never exorcise those demons.

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