Falcons 2022 record: 5-6 (2nd in NFC South)
Opponent: Chicago Bears
Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, GA)
Final Score: Falcons 27 – Bears 24
Notable Falcons Performances:
QB Marcus Mariota – 13/20 (65%) for 131 YDs, 13 carries for 25 YDs, 2 total TDs
RB Cordarrelle Patterson – 10 carries for 52 YDs, 103-yard kick return TD
EDGE Arnold Ebiketie – 6 tackles, 1 sack, 2 TFL
S Jaylinn Hawkins – 3 tackles, 1 pass defensed, 1 INT
Notable Bears Performances:
QB Justin Fields – 14/21 (66.7%) for 153 YDs, 18 carries for 85 YDs, 2 total TDs
RB David Montgomery – 121 total YDs, 1 rush TD
S Jaquan Brisker – 11 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 forced fumble
LB Jack Sanborn – 9 tackles, 1 QB hit
Next Opponent Preview:
Sunday, November 27 – @ Washington Commanders (12 pm CDT on FOX; Listen locally WTGZ Tiger 95.9 FM)
Washington Commanders 2022 record: 6-5
Previous Opponent: Houston Texans (W, 23-10)
Series History: Falcons trail series 10-15-1
Takeways:
An ugly win is always preferred to an ugly loss. The Falcons didn’t necessarily dominate this game on either side of the ball, and it was close to getting out of hand after the Bears went up 17-7 in the second quarter. Thankfully, Cordarrelle Patterson ran back his record-setting ninth kick return touchdown to bring the Falcons back into it and provided a much needed spark for the team. Ball security was a major issue in this game as the Falcons fumbled twice and lost them both. The defense did a relatively solid job of holding Justin Fields in check, and made the necessary plays to close out the game including an interception off a tipped pass by safety Jaylinn Hawkins. Up next, the Falcons head to Washington D.C. to face a rejuvenated Commanders team with Taylor Heinicke under center.
