Justin Fields Shreds Hometown Team, Bears Lead Falcons at Halftime
The Atlanta Falcons' playoff hopes are hanging on by a thread after a difficult first half Sunday against the Chicago Bears, trailing 21-7 in the snowy confines of Soldier Field.
Atlanta's offense began promisingly, as a double-reverse led to a 22-yard completion from quarterback Taylor Heinicke to receiver Drake London was followed by a 21-yard rush by running back Bijan Robinson.
But a seven-yard loss on a trick play marred by a fumbled snap by Robinson, who was lined up at wildcat and seemingly poised to pitch the ball to backup quarterback Desmond Ridder, set the Falcons back, and kicker Younghoe Koo's 50-yard field goal fell short.
The Bears responded in triumphant fashion, marching 60 yards on seven plays with quarterback Justin Fields finding receiver DJ Moore in the back left corner of the endzone for a seven-yard touchdown, giving Chicago an early 7-0 lead.
Heinicke led a strong second drive for the Falcons, picking up 22 yards on three scrambles while guiding the offense down to the Bears' 24-yard line.
But Koo missed another field goal, this time from 42 yards out, giving him his fourth missed kick in the past three weeks.
In a twist of déjà vu, the Bears capitalized once more on Koo's miss, as Fields capped off an eight-play, 68-yard drive with a 10-yard rushing touchdown.
Dec 31, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields (1) rushes the ball past Atlanta Falcons defensive end Zach Harrison (96) during the first half at Soldier Field.
Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports
The Falcons quickly answered, as Heinicke dumped a screen pass to running back Tyler Allgeier, who went untouched on his way to a 75-yard touchdown, the longest play of Atlanta's season.
A quick three-and-out by Chicago's offense gave the Falcons a chance to knot it up, but Heinicke missed tight end Kyle Pitts on second down and was sacked on third, punting right back to the Bears.
Fields and company seized momentum back, putting together a 12-play, 75-yard drive that took over seven minutes off the clock and concluded with a two-yard rushing touchdown from running back Roschon Johnson.
Atlanta's offense went three-and-out, with a drop from receiver KhaDarel Hodge on 3rd and 9 forcing the punting unit onto the field once more.
Chicago endured a similar fate, as Fields was sacked by linebacker Kaden Elliss for a nine-yard loss on 3rd and 3.
The Falcons failed to capitalize, as Bears linebacker TJ Edwards intercepted Heinicke on 3rd and 8, giving Chicago the ball on Atlanta's 37-yard line.
But Atlanta's defense gave up no ground and forced Chicago to settle for a 55-yard field goal ... which kicker Cairo Santos came up short on, and Falcons corner Dee Alford came up 11 yards short from returning it to the house but ultimately tripped, ending the half.
Fields, a native of Kennesaw, Georgia, finished the half 13 of 17 for 166 yards and a touchdown through the air with six carries for 21 yards and another score on the ground.
The Bears will receive the kickoff to start the second half.
