Atlanta Falcons: Birds head to the half-time break in a 10-10 tie
By Randy Gurzi
The Atlanta Falcons and Chicago Bears head to half time in Week 1 tied at ten points apiece thanks to rushing touchdowns and a field goal each
After winning the NFC South in 2016, the Atlanta Falcons headed on the road to start their title defense in the 2017 NFL Season. It was a trip to the Windy City against a team that won just three games last year, and was supposed to be a nice warm-up game for the high flying Falcons.
Instead it’s been a dogfight so far as the teams are locked up in a 10-10 tie at the half. The Bears have played much tougher than expected and they have slowed down the Dirty Birds offensive attack. Offensively, the Bears have also done a good job moving the ball on the ground, with rookie running back Tarik Cohen gashing the Falcons defense for 66 yards on three carries.
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For Atlanta, they look like they’re just a little rusty. They’re moving the ball and 2016 NFL MVP Matt Ryan is spreading it around as he has nine completions for four different receivers.
The leading receiver is Julio Jones who has 62 yards on three receptions.
Running back Devonta Freeman is responsible for their lone touchdown — which was set up by a 25-yard pass to Jones. Overall in the first half though, Freeman has struggled to find room as he has just 26 yards on seven carries.
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There has been some room to run in the back end of the Bears defense, but Atlanta has been just off the mark. Hopefully some halftime adjustments can lead to them taking advantage of that.