Jonathan Babineaux Injury: Falcons Defensive Tackle To Miss 3-5 Weeks, According To Agent

As if the Falcons weren't already thin enough at at defensive tackle, it has been reported that Jonathan Babineaux will be out of action for the next 3-5 weeks due to a partial MCL tear suffered during week one's matchup against the Chicago Bears. In a brief statement, Babineaux's agent Jack Bechta mentioned that he fully expects U.S.S. Babs to make an on-time recovery.

For the Falcons, this is exactly the type of news they didn't want to hear. Babineaux is without a doubt the best D-tackle on the team, and his injury comes with Corey Peters still yet to have made his return from a knee injury suffered during training camp. Without his ability to provide pressure inside, this looks to be a huge blow to the Falcons defense.

As for replacements, if Peters is not able to return this week Vance Walker will most likely fill in as the starter opposite of Peria Jerry whilst Babineaux recovers. I also wouldn't be surprised for the Falcons to bring in a veteran backup sometime soon, considering there are now only three completely healthy tackles on the roster (*knocks on wood).

With this week's matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles looming, Mike Smith will have to employ some creative gameplanning in order to give this banged up line a fighting chance.

For more on the Falcons, check out The Falcoholic.

Jonathan Babineaux Injury: Partially Torn MCL Could Be Cause For Concern

Jonathan Babineaux suffered a knee injury Sunday now being diagnosed as a partially torn MCL.

VIDEO: Falcons Vs. Bears Highlights Show Which Way The Ball Bounced

NFL Standings, NFC South: Cam Newton's Advent Nearly Ends In Division Lead

Falcons Vs. Bears: Theater Unsuitable For Explosives Demonstration

The Atlanta Falcons barely got to try out their new offensive identity Sunday. The Chicago Bears' bend-don't-break defense forced the return of something like the old one, now with more turnovers.

Falcons Vs. Bears Final Score: Falcons Drop Season Opener In Rough 30-12 Loss

The Bears began the fourth quarter with the ball in possession and a very comfortable 24-point lead in their grasp. For some reason, the Bears came out passing despite their large lead, and that ultimately would backfire on Cutler as he watched his pass batted into the waiting arms of Kroy Biermann. Though he was almost caught from behind, Bear-man managed to get it across the goal-line for the Falcons' first touchdown of the game.

The Falcons would go for two, but pressure in Matt Ryan's face led to failure in that endeavor. Still, the Falcons showed life as they cut the deficit to 18 points. The Bears got the ball back, and the Falcons defense continued their fourth quarter success by forcing a three-and-out. Could there be a tiny glimmer of hope amidst this disappointing game?

Well, the offense took over and- surprise, surprise- the Bears' defensive front was right in the grill of Ryan yet again. On third down, Chicago would record its fifth sack of Ryan on the day. Todd McClure, get well soon.

The defense stepped up yet again, it just ended up being a case of too little, too late. Vance Walker had a nice sack during that stand, but everything beyond that point is pretty much not worth mentioning. The front four actually had a pretty good game today and got some good pressure. Where the real problem lay were coverage and poor tackling in the secondary. 

The offense has shown some flashes of their potential at times today. On the next offensive possession, Ryan connected with Julio Jones for an 18-yard gain that very nearly went all the way for a touchdown. Jacquizz Rodgers worked himself into the passing game with a couple of nice catches as well. The Falcons would probably have called for more deep passes, but Ryan has simply had no time to throw today.

Ryan finished the day with 31 completions for over 300 yards, Turner had 100 yards on the ground, and Roddy White racked up eight catches for 61 yards, but still there was not an offensive touchdown to be found. The silver lining right now is that both the Saints and Buccaneers also lost their first matchups of the season, for whatever that's worth.

Remember, the Falcons lost their season opener in 2010 and that season turned out ok, right? This is a talented team. The Falcons just need to fulfill that potential.

For more on the Falcons, check out The Falcoholic. For more on the Bears, check out Windy City Gridiron.

Falcons Vs. Bears Update: Falcons Down 30-6 As Game Turns South

If you were hoping the second half would bring new life into this Falcons team, well... you're not going to be very satisfied. Or, if you're like me, then you are pretty furious. 

The Falcons started off the half with the ball in their hands, and began their typical slow, methodical march down the field that we all know and love. We saw a little bit of Michael Turner, a ton of Roddy White, and even a little bit of Jacquizz Rodgers. Things looked promising as the Falcons made it all the way down to the Bears seven-yard line, but again they failed to make it across the goal line, instead settling for a field goal that made it 16-6 Bears.

Chicago took over on offense, and though the Falcons forced a third-and-one right off the bat, yet again the defense crumbled on third down. Matt Forte continued make the Falcons look like amateurs, busting out a 27-yard run in the middle of the drive. Cutler then connected with Hester on a 53-yard pass, and one play later the Bears scored on a 1-yard TD toss.

Things pretty much got worse from there. Some awful pass protection led to continued pressure in Ryan's face, and ultimately resulted in a fumble forced by Julius Peppers and recovered by Brian Urlacher for a TD that gave the Bears a 24-point lead. What was once a close game quickly became a big deficit in a matter of minutes.

The Falcons got the ball back, and yet again had a promising start to the drive. But two consecutive penalties, one false start and one unnecessary roughness, effectively killed the drive. Seeing a pattern here? Thankfully, the defense stepped up on the ensuing possession and forced a three-and-out. Lawrence Sidbury got some great pressure on third down that almost resulted in a safety. At least something went right.

Next possession, however, it was more of the same. Ryan was sacked by Peppers, and the Falcons appear poised to punt the ball away very soon. Bears hold a very comfortable 30-6 lead as we enter into the fourth quarter. It's been a rough game, and all we can hope for is some improvement going forward.

For more on the Falcons, check out The Falcoholic. For more on the Bears, check out Windy City Gridiron

Falcons Vs. Bears Score: Falcons Trailing 16-3 At The Half

The Falcons have been really frustrating today. They began the second quarter by sacking Jay Cutler, John Abraham's second of the day. The Falcons offense then promptly went three-and-out, and poor pass protection on third-down almost resulted in a safety. Matt Bosher was forced to punt out of the Falcons' own endzone, and a 25-yard return by Devin Hester started the Bears off at the Atlanta 25. Really, I'd love to see some consistent play sometime today.

The Bears got down to the 10-yard line poised to score, but Kroy Biermann had other plans. He notched his first sack of the season, and the Falcons' third of the game. On the following play, good coverage by Brent Grimes again resulted in a tipped pass, and again it floated over the hands of Thomas DeCoud.  Tough luck is all I can say.

Fortunately, the Falcons D held up in the red zone and limited the Bears to only a field goal. That, however, also extended the Bears lead to ten points in this second quarter.

So, the offense took the field and again started their drive off well. However, the bane of this team all day has been the inability to finish their drives. A tipped pass to Julio Jones that resulted in a six-yard loss along with good coverage on Roddy White on third-and-long extended the Falcons' scoring drought.

The defense followed suit. Two good run stops by Curtis Lofton and John Abraham brought the Bears to third-and-nine, but coverage again broke down as Cutler hooked up with Johnny Knox for 18 yards. It was more of the same from then on. The Falcons would make two great stops in the running game, then give up a passing play on third-down.

The Birds forced another third-down, and by the grace of the football gods Jay Cutler overthrew a wide open Kellen Davis. They probably should have scored, but the D again limited the Bears to only a field goal.

The offense took the field with under a minute remaining desperately needing to respond with a score, but simply didn't have enough time or protection to really get anything going. If the Falcons want to come back in this one, Matt Ryan absolutely needs better pass protection. There's simply no way Atlanta can win if Ryan can't even get off a pass.

Still, this lead is surmountable, and it's far from time to call it quits just yet. Bears lead 16-3 at the half.

Falcons Vs. Bears Update: Two Falcons Turnovers Have Chicago Leading 10-3

After a couple of third-down collapses on the first drive of the game, the Falcons defense quickly forced a Bears three-and-out courtesy of some good third-down pressure applied by Peria Jerry and Ray Edwards. Cutler argued for roughing-the-passer, but to no avail. Eric Weems had a nice punt return, and the Falcons offense set up on their on 43-yard line.

Ryan then found Julio Jones on the first play of the drive, a beautiful diving catch by Julio Jones good for 14 yards. The Falcons followed up with an eight-yard rush by Turner, and it looked as if the Falcons were poised to take the lead. However, Brian Urlacher showed why he's considered one of the game's best by picking off an awkward Matt Ryan pass, effectively killing the drive.

So, the Falcons defense found themselves right back out on the field, and John Abraham struck for his first sack of the season good for a nine-yard loss. However, a breakdown in coverage and poor tackling resulted in two Bears plays that went for a total of 81 yards, including a 56-yard Matt Forte catch and run that he took all the way to the house. Really, there was some bad tackling on that one. Mike Smith must be furious.

Following that giant momentum killer, the Falcons took over trailing the Bears 10-3. Ryan, who has gotten spotty pass protection all day, started the drive off right a 30-yard pass to Tony Gonzalez. At this point, Ryan is eight-for-nine on the day, his only incompletion the Urlacher interception.

But luck simply hasn't been on the Falcons' side, as on the following play we were forced to watch a rare Michael Turner fumble that was recovered by Julius Peppers. Don't get me wrong, the Falcons have been playing a decent game thus far. But turnovers are a huge drive killer, and the offense can't afford to make any more mistakes.

Still, this Bears team looks alot better than most people have thought. This is still a team that played in the NFC Championship game. Very concerning is the status of Jonathan Babineaux, who appeared to have been shaken up on the last play of the quarter. An update will come on him later. The Falcons enter the second quarter trailing 10-3.

Falcons Vs. Bears Score: Game Tied At 3-3 Early, Julio Jones Makes His First Career Catch

Ladies and gentleman, glorious football is now finally underway at Soldier Field. If the Falcons want to fulfill their high expectations for this season, it all starts here against the Chicago Bears in what should be a great game. 

The Bears started off at their 23-yard line following a strange kickoff penalty due to an illegal formation, and right off the bat the Falcons linebackers were getting their hats on the football almost immediately. However on third-and-seven, the Bears O-line provided Jay Cutler the time he needed to connect with Roy Williams on a 23-yard pass.

Brent Grimes did get his hands on an underthrown pass by Cutler, but Thomas DeCoud couldn't reel in the tipped pass that practically fell into his hands. A 23-yard catch n' run by Matt Forte would result in another Bears third-down conversion. However, in typical "bend-but-don't-break" fashion the Falcons defense planted their feet in the ground and was able to hold the Bears to a field goal, making it 3-0 Bears.

The much-anticipated Falcons offense then finally took the field, and at first glance this game has featured exactly what we've come to expect of Mike Mularkey's group: a heavy dose of Michael Turner and a some short, controlled pass plays. Ryan and company ran the no-huddle and marched down the field in their methodical fashion.

Then on third down, Ryan connected with Julio Jones for his first career reception, good for three yards. However, the Bears D was all over it and the Falcons were forced to kick a field goal. Matt Bryant just got it inside the uprights on a 48-yard field goal, and the game is now tied at 3-3. Good to see the Falcons at least come away with some points there. Stay tuned, folks.

For more on the Falcons, check out The Falcoholic. For more on the Bears, check out Windy City Gridiron

Falcons Vs. Bears: Game Time, TV Schedule And More

The Atlanta Falcons are set to begin their season today with a tough matchup against the Chicago Bears. Both teams made the playoffs, both have a wealth of talent, and both also have high aspirations for this season. What's more, both have also improved since last year.

The Falcons added a pass-rushing threat in Ray Edwards, a vertical receiving threat that can stretch the field in Julio Jones, and depth to the often-criticized secondary in the form of recently signed DB's Kelvin Hayden and James Sanders.

While Cutler has his share of weapons, Matt Ryan has multiple playmakers at literally every position. Michael Turner, Roddy White, Harry Douglas, and Tony Gonzalez make up a star-studded set of skill position players for the Falcons. Thomas Dimitroff wanted to add explosiveness to the offense, and now that is exactly what the Falcons offense possesses.

While both teams fielded quality defenses last season, the Bears definitely held the edge in that category. The Falcons will have to hope former first-round draft picks Sean Weatherspoon and Peria Jerry can live up to their original projections.

Finally, though it may seem cliche, this game will come down to the offensive lines of both teams. The Bears have a great pass rush, but given time Matt Ryan can pick the Chicago secondary apart. As for the Bears, their O-line has been something of a sore spot in recent years. If John Abraham and company can get after Cutler, all will go well at Soldier Field in the Falcons' 2011 season opener.

If I had to make prediction, I'd say it'll be a 28-17 Falcons victory. Now, on to the game details:

Game Date/Time: Sunday, September 11, 1:00 P.M. ET

Location: Soldier Field, Chicago, IL

TV Schedule
Bears: FOX WFLD
Falcons: FOX WAGA

TV Distribution Map: The506.com

Radio Schedule
Bears: WBBM 780 AM
Falcons: WSTR 94.1 FM

For more on the Bears, head over to Windy City Gridiron. For more on the Falcons, check out The Falcoholic. Follow the rest of the Week 1 action a SB Nation Atlanta.

PHOTO: Julio Jones Wearing NYPD, FDNY Tribute Shoes On 9/11

Falcons Vs. Bears Injury Report: Corey Peters Out For Atlanta

Expectations are fairly high for the Atlanta Falcons heading into the new 2011 season. And for good reason. One cause for concern though is the play of the front seven, a potential liability that didn't really rear its ugly head in 2010. Speed is more important than ever on defense, but it's hard to survive in the NFL if you don't also have some bulk and depth in the trenches and at linebacker. 

The Falcons tried to improve their defensive line in free agency by signing free agent Ray Edwards. The addition of Edwards will at least partially be reneged by the loss of DT Corey Peters for Atlanta's Week 1 road test against the Chicago Bears. Peters, a third-round selection out of Kentucky in the 2010 Draft, suffered a knee injury during the preseason schedule. No surgery was required though, which perhaps lulled fans and scribes into thinking that he'd be just fine once Week 1 rolled around. 

That's not the case unfortunately, as Peters was officially ruled out for Sunday's game. In his place, Jeriah Perry will get his first real shot at proving he was worthy of a first round selection in the 2009 Draft. Jerry did play in 16 games last year, but he was relegated to rotational duty coming off reconstructive knee surgery and the fact that Peters was playing at a surprisingly high level as a third round rookie. 

For more Falcons coverage in the final lead up to Sunday's season opener at Chicago, visit The Falcoholic.

And just in case you're curious about the rest of the Falcons injury situation, or the Bears' for that matter, here's the complete report for both teams, filed Friday afternoon per league mandate.

PHOTO: Roddy White's Red, White And Blue Shoes For 9/11 Anniversary

NFL Picks, Week 1: Falcons-Bears, Saints-Packers, Steelers-Ravens And More

A new NFL season means football is back, and gamblers get to start fresh. The road to rags or riches begins here, with the Week One lines.

Falcons Vs. Bears Injury Report: Todd McClure Out, Corey Peters Still Not Practicing

The Falcons week one injury report for the 2011 season opener against the Chicago Bears has been released. Fortunately, it would seem that Atlanta's starters have made it through the preseason relatively unscathed.

WEEK 1 INJURY REPORT:
OUT- C Todd McClure (knee)
DNP- DT Corey Peters (knee)
LIMITED- DT Jonathan Babineaux (knee, shoulder), OT Tyson Clabo (elbow)
FULL- WR Roddy White (thigh), CB Dunta Robinson (hamstring) C Rob Bruggeman (concussion), DE Lawrence Sidbuy (ankle)

Todd McClure, who was ruled out of the game following "minor" knee surgery on August 29, is the only player who we know for sure will not play. The longtime Falcons center will miss his first game since 2001, ending his streak of 166 consecutive starts.

That leaves Corey Peters as the only player who's in question for this week's game. If you'll remember, Peters injured his knee during training camp and was subsequently held out of the remaining three preseason games. While reports have been made that he is "close" to returning, that is far from anything certain. My guess is that he ultimately won't play, given the Falcons' conservative track record. Peria Jerry should handle starting duties just fine.

As for the remaining players listed, I wouldn't worry at all. It's great to see Dunta back and fully participating, especially given his lack of play during the preseason. All signs point to him starting against the Bears.

A final bit of interesting news involves new Falcons CB Kelvin Hayden, who according to Brian Van Gorder will play in this week's matchup. He hasn't had much time to digest the playbook, so I wouldn't expect a ton of playing time. However, Hayden playing at all is still encouraging.

The Falcons have also released the team depth chart for the Bears game, and it contains absolutely zero surprises. Unless having an awesome team surprises you. If you're a longtime (and I mean longtime) Falcons fan, that may be the case.

The Falcons will play the Bears Sunday, September 11 at 1:00 PM. Who's ready for football?

For more on the Falcons, check out The Falcoholic. For more on the Bears, check out Windy City Gridiron. For gameday coverage, stay tuned to SB Nation Atlanta.

Falcons Vs. Bears TV Schedule: Windy City Not So Windy In September, Right?

My favorite thing about the 2011 Atlanta Falcons schedule: so few cold-weather games. Seriously, an early-October game in Seattle and a December game in Charlotte could be the two coldest outdoor games. For a dome team from the southeast, that's pretty great.

Which brings us to the Chicago Bears and why it's not so bad to be playing them in Week 1 (at 1 pm ET, Sept. 11 on FOX throughout most of the country). It's supposed to be 77 degrees and partly cloudy in Chicago on Sunday!

Spending too much time on the weather, you say? What else is there to talk about in Week 1? The Falcons have some new players. You know who they are. The Bears have some new players. If you care who they are, you already know, and if you don't, I won't be able to convince you to care. Seeing Julio Jones and Jacquizz Rodgers take on a veteran defense will be something, as will new defensive backs James Sanders and Kelvin Hayden looking to pick off Jay Cutler.

More to come, most of it focused more on football than the weather. I love weather.

For more, head to Falcons blog The Falcoholic and Bears blog Windy City Gridiron.

Falcons Final Roster Breakdown: Powell, Walls Make The 53-Man Team

Todd McClure Injury: Falcons C Out For Season Opener Against The Bears

Todd McClure's injury has already caused the Atlanta Falcons' center to miss two preseason games.  According to the most recent reports, it seems that the typically injury-free offensive lineman has been officially shut down for the fourth and final game of the exhibition schedule along with Atlanta's Week 1 opener versus the Chicago Bears.

McClure underwent knee surgery on Monday for what the team called a "minor procedure."

Falcons head coach Mike Smith told the media on Tuesday that McClure won't be available for the next two weeks, according to Jay Adams. McClure had previously started 166 straight games for the Falcons, dating back to 2001 after the Falcons acquired him as a seventh round pick in the 1999 NFL Draft.

The team hasn't made a formal announcement regarding which backup will replace McClure in the starting lineup, but veteran Joe Hawley appears to be the top option according to the depth chart posted on the team's website.

Falcons Schedule 2011: Chicago Bears Await In The Windy City

Here we are, folks! Less than a month away from regular season football, and less than month until the Falcons kick off the 2011 season in Chicago. While they didn't exactly impress anyone with their performance in the NFC Championship game against Green Bay, the Bears certainly won't be a walk in the park either. The Falcons will need to show up big in week one to affirm to the rest of the league that this team will, in fact, live up to its preseason hype.

THE SKINNY:
Record: Went 11-5 in 2010, lost NFC Championship game
Performance: 30th ranked offense, 9th ranked defense (2nd against the run)
Additions: WR Roy Williams, RB Marion Barber, DT Amobi Okoye, LB Vernon Gholston, OT Gabe Carimi
Losses: C Olin Kreutz, TE Greg Olsen, S Danieal Manning

While the Bears struggled to find offensive consistency, they had somewhat of a renaissance of the old defense that took them to the Superbowl in 2006. Urlacher, Briggs, and Peppers headlines a stout Bears D that kept them in almost every game. While Jay Cutler didn't exactly thrive in Mike Martz's offense behind a less-than-sturdy offensive line, he also wasn't as bad as in 2009. Hey, at least they got the better QB when they traded Orton (...right?).

Fast forward to 2011, and we find the Falcons opening up their season on the road against a tough, defensive-minded opponent. In many ways, I expect this game to be similar to last year's Steelers game: a touch, hard-fought, agonizingly low-scoring game. Field goals will play a big part in this one.

However, I feel like this year's Falcons offense will be one that teams just can't shut down for four quarters. With Roddy, Julio, Douglas, and a hopefully healthy Kerry Meier, teams will have their hands full deciding who to cover. Oh ya, that Gonzalez guy is still pretty good too. The defense can hem in Turner, true, but our revamped receiving corps outclasses a so-so Chicago secondary.

To conclude, while the Bears defense can keep this game close, I predict that a combination of some explosive wideout play and Brent Grimes' knack for picking off the mistake-prone Bears' QB will lead to a decisive Falcons' win to start off 2011 on the right foot. Don't worry, you'll get to see Mr. Cutler in all his pouting glory on a hi-def TV screen soon enough Falcons fans.