Ridder Replaces Heinicke as Falcons Dominated by Bears, But NFC South Playoff Hopes Still Alive

A tough day in all three phases led to the Atlanta Falcons' downfall Sunday against Chicago Bears.

The Atlanta Falcons (7-9) cemented their sixth consecutive losing season Sunday, falling 37-17 to the Chicago Bears (7-9) inside Soldier Field.

Bears quarterback Justin Fields had his way both through the air and on the ground, going 20 of 32 for 268 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions with 11 runs for 44 yards and another score.

Chicago held a 21-7 lead at halftime and controlled the second half en route to its fourth win in its last five tries. The Bears accumulated 432 total yards of offense, including 192 on the ground. 

Fresh off their highest-scoring output this season in last week's 29-10 win over the Indianapolis Colts, the Falcons had a tough day offensively.

Dec 31, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London (5) is tackled by Chicago Bears defensive back Jaylon Johnson (33), defensive back Kyler Gordon (6) and linebacker Tremaine Edmunds (49) after a short pass gain in the first half at Soldier Field / Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports

Quarterback Taylor Heinicke completed just 10 of 29 attempts for 162 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions. He added four scrambles for 46 yards and a score.

Heinicke was replaced by Desmond Ridder with 3:39 left in the fourth quarter, coming after Heinicke limped off the field the series before, during which he threw his third interception.

Heinicke was limited in practice Wednesday and Thursday with an ankle injury and appeared to have reaggravated it late.

Ridder completed his first three passes before being hit and intercepted on his fourth. He finished his brief stint three of four for 17 yards.

The Falcons were hindered in the first half by kicker Younghoe Koo, who missed field goals of 50 and 42 yards, respectively, on Atlanta's first two drives.

Atlanta received its biggest play of the season offensively with running back Tyler Allgeier's 75-yard screen pass touchdown in the second quarter but found paydirt only once more, coming on a 24-yard scramble from Heinicke.

Despite their loss, the Falcons are still alive in the playoff race - with a win next Sunday against the New Orleans Saints (8-8) and a loss by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-8) at the Carolina Panthers (2-15), Atlanta takes the NFC South.

Kickoff time between the Falcons and Saints is still to be determined.