The Atlanta Falcons boast one of the best passing attacks in the NFL. It’s been that way for a long time. Both because they have Matt Ryan at quarterback but also one of the best receivers in Julio Jones. His mixture of size, strength, and speed have given defenses fits for years. So his status for today against the Chicago Bears was a major talking point after aggravating a hamstring injury last week.
Jones didn’t practice all week but did everything he could to try and play in this game. In the end, the pain was too much. Atlanta didn’t want to put him at risk of making it even worse. So they declared him inactive for the game, handing the Bears a stroke of major good fortune as they try to build on their 2-0 record.
#Falcons WR Julio Jones (hamstring) is going to be inactive vs. the #Bears. Not quite ready.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 27, 2020
Loss of Julio Jones allows Chicago Bears to narrow focus
Make no mistake. The loss of Jones is enormous for Atlanta. That being said, it’s not like they’re absent of other weapons. Calvin Ridley is among the league leaders in receiving yards to start the season and tight end Hayden Hurst is establishing himself as a passing game threat. One also should not ignore Todd Gurley in the backfield. If not taken seriously, this offense can still produce.
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The Bears defense is well-equipped to handle them though. They have a dynamite pass rush and athletic secondary. If they play up to their customary level, this should be a game the team wins. Especially if Mitch Trubisky and the offense take care of an equally banged-up Falcons defense. One that ranks last in the NFL against the pass.
There are no excuses to lose this game. Yet everybody knows this Bears team has a bad habit of playing down to their competition. Will it be different this week?