Rotobahn

The outcome of this season-opener was as if actual bears were fighting real falcons (assuming a falcon would be stupid enough to fight a bear); the Bears tore apart the Falcons.  Their attack was led by Matt Forte and Jay Cutler, who made all who drafted, and started them, happy.  The Bears' offense flowed through Forte; he set the tone on the ground and through the short passing game, with lots of YAC.  Cutler spread the love also to his receivers and Tight ends.  He had time to operate and got rid of the ball quickly in distributing to all of his receivers.  TE's Kellen Davis and Matt Spaeth were both involved.  Johhny Knox came off the bench, but was as productive as Devin Hester or Roy Williams.  All three receivers had their moments.  Williams got bagned up with a groin injury and is no lock to play in week two.  If he sits out, Knox is worth starting for sure.

The Bears' D was disruptive all day long and kept the heat on Falcons QB, Matty-Ice, while grounding the Falcons receivers with blanket-like coverage.  They also hit the snot out of anytrhing that moved.  They looked poised for a very productive season.

Michael Turner looked to be the only Falcon who was up for the challenge on offense today, hitting holes and showing surprising burst.  He was also quite active in the passing game, which his owners have to happy about.  Matt Ryan was under duress all game, and was thus inaccurate and forcing throws throughout.  Jason Snelling was featured in the 2-minute offense, and was most relevant in the passing game, picking up underneath and over-the-middle looks.  Roddy White was targeted (as he should have been) throughout.  Unfortunately, he was only open on shorter routes as the Bears shut down the deep looks.  TE Tony Gonzalez looked a year older, but was involved.  Harry Douglas couldn't get open all day as he was smothered by the Bears' secondary.  Julio Jones was targeted, but again, couldn't be reached often enough by Ryan today.  He did show good burst and after-the-catch ability on one play.  Jacquizz Rodgers made an appearance in the 2-minute offense and in garbage time, and showed his skills.

Written by Jim Hackett & Mike Elmer