Chicago Bears: Five players to watch against the Atlanta Falcons

Vic Beasley

All-Pro linebacker Vic Beasley is one of the Falcons best players. The 2015 first rounder led the NFL in sacks last season, propelling the Falcons defense in thier Super Bowl run. Now entering his third season, Beasley has lofty expectations, and the Falcons will expect Beasley to lead both the run stop and blitz, coming off a season in which he led the team in both aspects.

The Bears offense will lean on Pro Bowl running back Jordan Howard, making Beasley’s role as a run-stopper more and more important. Against a quality Bears offensive line, Beasley will need to break through and stifle Howard and the Bears run attack. If Beasley and the rest of the defense can do this effectively, the Bears will struggle to score points.

Beasley is the type of player that makes impact plays. After leading the NFL in sacks last season, the Falcons can certainly expect more to come this season, starting in this game. If Beasley can be effective blitzing and pressure Mike Glennon, the Falcons will certainly win this game.

The Bears offense is filled with question marks and inexperience, making them prone to mistakes. If Beasley can capitalize on those mistakes, the Falcons defense will have a very successful game. As a premier play maker, Beasley will thrive against the Bears below average offense. If Vic Beasley produces the way that’s he can and should, the Falcons will win this game.