Atlanta Falcons (5-6) – Chicago Bears (3-8): 27-24
Amazing teams duel this Sunday between the Falcons and Bears. On the one hand, a Chicago team that has finally unlocked the potential of Justin Fields. On the other, well-trained, sometimes confused, sometimes disappointing Falcons.
In a closely contested game, it was ultimately the Falcons who prevailed, thanks to a field goal by the flawless Younghoe Koo (5/5 on kicks) with one minute remaining.
Justin Fields – Marcus Mariota, white cap and white cap
Throughout the game, the two pitchers on the field deliver somewhat similar performances: a slow passing game and a running game to advance the chains. If Justin Fields (14/21, 153 yards, 1 TD, 1 interception, 18 rushes, 85 yards, 1 touchdown on the ground) is more active on the ground, with notably his 10th touchdown in the last ten quarters, Marcus Mariota (13 /20, 131 yards, 1 TD, 13 rushes, 25 yards, 1 TD) and his delivery well quite similar copy.
The game could fall one way or the other: 20 first attempts for the Bears, 18 for the Falcons. 288 yards for the Bears, 280 for the Falcons.
A touchdown scoring machine. @JustnFields‘ 10th TD in his last 10 quarters!
📺: #CHIvsATL on FOX
📱: stream on NFL+ https://t.co/IaVHvq433O pic.twitter.com/rh5vwx7diN—NFL (@NFL) November 20, 2022
Cordarelle Patterson records
If the Falcons walk away with the win this game, they can thank veteran Cordarelle Patterson, in all the good moves this Sunday: 10 carries for 52 yards and 2 receptions for 7 yards. Most importantly, while the Bears just put a small hammer blow to the Falcons head with a touchdown to make the score 17-7, Patterson receives the kickoff away in his own end zone. 103 yards later and with hooks swinging, he tied into the opposing end zone for the 9th kickoff return for a career touchdown, a new NFL record.
A NEW NFL RECORD FOR @ceeflashpee84
📺 FOX | NFL+ pic.twitter.com/8nPaEJPFoz
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) November 20, 2022
If the frenetic pace of the first period (17-17 at halftime) calmed down in the second half, it was above all thanks to two well-regulated defenses. Coincidentally it is a positive lesson for the two teams predicted at the bottom of the standings.
With this victory, the Falcons (5-6) are almost up to the Buccaneers (5-5), and can always dream of unexpected playoffs.