The Chicago Bears head down to Atlanta to take on the Falcons for their Week 6 matchup. The Bears struggled mightily against the Packers, but the inevitable return of their star quarterback just may turn the tides. Though head coach Ben Johnson announced on Wednesday morning that Caleb Williams would be a full participant in practice, that doesn't clear him to play in full games yet. That decision remains to be seen.
In light of this, there are several other areas that the Bears need to focus on if they're going to collect a needed win in the race to catch the Minnesota Vikings. Here are three different matchups that could potentially decide the outcome of Week 6.
Bijan Robinson vs the Bears without Montez Sweat
Montez Sweat's suspension couldn't have come at a worse time. The Bears stand ninth in the league against the rush, but with Sweat out of the picture, that number is destined to change. The Falcons have Bijan Robinson at their disposal, and he's been off to a great start to the season, leading the league in rushing yards with 580. (Full disclosure, Kenneth Walker III was on a bye for Week 5, he could very well pass Robinson through 5 games)
"We want all of our guys available and playing in ball games to help us win. So, that's really what it is. Next man up and we keep it moving."Ben Johnson
The Bears defense already looked to be in trouble with Sweat on the field, but this is just another setback that the Bears defense can't afford.
Drake London vs Jaylon Johnson
Drake London has established himself as one of the better wide receivers in the game, and a matchup with him against Jaylon Johnson is concerning. Johnson has been struggling to reach his previous stature, and it's even led to him seeing less playing time. The Bears can shift help that way, but that's exactly how Bijan Robinson gets an open field to move.
Dillon Thieneman will likely be a threat against him. He's shown a great proficiency on deep safety coverage, though his performance against Green Bay was a bit of a step back. He'll pick up the slack where Johnson needs it.
Atlanta is far more than its two stars, and a team that already blew out Green Bay and New Orleans is not one to take lightly. The Bears will need all three phases on Sunday, not just answers for Robinson and London.
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