Bears vs. Falcons 2014: Two teams looking to end losing-streaks

Two teams looking to avoid three-game losing-streaks face off in Atalanta.

Oct 12, 2014, 11:35 AM UTC

Jonathan Daniel

The 2-3 Atlanta Falcons have looked great at home in the friendly confines of the Georgia Dome. However, they've struggled mightily on the road, as evidenced by their with a 2-0 record at home and 0-3 mark on the road. The good news is they'll host the Chicago Bears this week in hopes of ending a twp-game losing streak.

The 2-3 Bears are also looking to end a two-game losing streak after starting the year 2-1. Chicago collapsed last week after taking a three-point lead into the fourth quarter of their game against the Panthers, but Carolina scored the final 10 points to down the Bears, 31-24. The Falcons are coming off a collapse of their own after holding a three-point lead in the fourth quarter vs. the Giants, but New york reeled off a 13-0 run to escape with a 30-20 win.

Digits

The high-flying Falcons offense will rely heavily on their No. 2 passing offense while going against a Bears defense ranked No. 17 in pass defense. Atlanta QB Matt Ryan has thrown six interceptions in five games, while Bears corner Kyle Fuller has intercepted three passes in five games. As a team, the Bears are No. 2 in the NFL with seven interceptions this season.

Who to watch

Matt Ryan - The Falcons rely heavily on the arm of quarterback Matt Ryan to lead their offense. Ryan has thrown for 1,579 yards and 11 scores to pace the NFL’s No. 2 passing offense. Playing behind a battered offensive line and inconsistent ground game, Ryan has had to shoulder the load for Atlanta over the first five games this season. IF he can continue to produce at a high level while the o-line and run game improve, this offense can put up a lot of points vs. the Bears this week.

Kyle Fuller - The Bears have been thrilled with the play of rookie cornerback Kyle Fuller. Drafted in the first round out of Virginia Tech, Fuller has steeped in for the injured Charles Tillman after he was lost for the year with a biceps injury. Fuller has locked down opposing wide receiver while also picking off three passes this year. He'll either be tasked with Julio Jones or Roddy White, a pair of Pro-Bowlers who are no easy task to cover. It will be up to Fuller to keep them from having big games at the expense of Chicago.