The Falcons, so strong at home in coach Mike Smith’s tenure, were knocked back by the Bears’ potent offense early in Sunday’s game at the Georgia Dome.
Outgaining the Falcons 275-99 and holding the ball for close to 19 minutes, the Bears took a 13-3 lead through two quarters in Atlanta.
Bears quarterback Jay Cutler has riddled the Falcons’ secondary, racking up 233 yards passing on 17-of-25 attempts. Wideout Brandon Marshall had a big first half for Chicago, catching five passes for 100 yards.
On defense, the Bears have held up well even without primary linebackers Lance Briggs, D.J. Williams, Shea McClellin and Jon Bostic, who are all inactive.
Matt Ryan has completed 7-of-13 passes for 77 yards for Atlanta, which has just a 52-yard first-quarter Matt Bryant field goal to its credit.
The Falcons get the ball to start the second half.