Chicago Bears lose to Atlanta Falcons: Defensive grades

Until the fourth quarter, Chicago Bears defensive backs arguably played better yesterday than they had in nearly two years.

In particular, Marcus Cooper and Kyle Fuller played their hearts out against Julio Jones and Co. and acquitted themselves well. Both came up with several instinctive, aggressive tackles (Fuller with six, Cooper with four). Plus, both added a pass defended, with Cooper jumping a route and nearly picking one off for a touchdown.

Sure, Jones still had a couple nice plays (four catches, 66 yards). But one can’t be too disappointed with how Cooper performed against him. And Fuller, who looked left for dead, looks like he could be back and better than ever.

But, of course, the Chicago Bears wouldn’t be the Chicago Bears without a secondary mishap that cost them the game. This year’s version of that story was carried out on consecutive drives by Falcons tight end Austin Hooper.

First, there was this:

Now, I’m going to venture that the Bears may have been in some kind of Cover-1, possibly “Robber” coverage as Trevathan drops into the middle of the field to take away crossing routes. Also, Freeman passes off Hooper, who runs straight down the seam, to help with underneath routes. After all, Quintin Demps should be there patrolling the deep middle, right?

Right. Except that Demps was busy shading toward Jones and not where he should’ve been. If he was, the Bears likely get a third down sack there. Instead, they ended up down by 10 points. And don’t even mention the stiff arm.

Then, the Bears double-dipped and let Hooper get loose on the next drive as well to move the chains for a 40-yard completion on 3rd and 8. Making matters worse, the secondary failed to tackle him again, with Fuller and Eddie Jackson missing this time.

Next: Bears fall to Falcons in another tough loss

It’s funny how, on an otherwise decent day, secondary play continues letting the Chicago Bears down in big moments. Okay, no, it’s not funny. Truthfully, it’s getting disheartening.