'Difference in Their Offense!' Falcons Coach Sees Key Trait in Bears QB Justin Fields
Despite lackluster seasons thus far, the Atlanta Falcons and Chicago Bears still have something to play for on Sunday. Mathematically speaking, at least.
The Falcons and Bears are not officially eliminated from playoff contention, although according to NFL.com, the teams hold an 11 percent and less-than-1 percent chance to get into the postseason, respectively.
So, you're saying there's a chance? Technically, yes, and Bears quarterback Justin Fields is looking to challenge the Falcons defense this week in more ways than one with hopes of improving those odds.
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Falcons defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen recently broke down one key aspect of Fields' game that has been a difference maker in the Bears' offense since he returned from injury, namely his legs. Last year against the Falcons, Fields ran the ball 18 times while attempting just 21 passes, and a similar formula could be used on Sunday.
“Well, that’s what he’s doing, right?" Nielsen said. "It’s been more recent since he’s been back from the injury. I think there’s a lot of similarities between that game last year until coming back from the injury. He’s doing a really good job running the ball. He’s doing a really good job extending plays.
"I think that’s been the difference in their offense is that it’s not just, ‘Hey, I’m going to take the throw,’ or whatever. It’s, ‘Hey, I’m going to extend. I’m going to create.’ He’s dynamic in the pocket, and then when he gets out, he's even better than that."
It can be difficult to simulate the breakdown of plays in practice because, well, they're broken down plays. They aren't scripted in game action, but Nielsen & Co. are trying to prepare the Falcons for that aspect of the game this week.
"It’s never going to be exactly like it is on Sunday," Nielsen said, "but you try to make it as close to it as possible and give the guys a simulation. We did that some yesterday. We’ll do some more today. We’ll do some more tomorrow and work all the way up to the game.”
Kickoff on Sunday between the Falcons and Bears is set for 1 p.m. ET at Soldier Field in Chicago, and the game will be televised on CBS.
