Sports
Falcons’ costly punt fumble helps Bears leave Atlanta with 31-23 win
A muffed punt near halftime gave Chicago a short field and helped push Atlanta into a two-score hole. The Falcons rallied at home but fell to 2-4 and remained winless at Mercedes-Benz Stadium this season.
ATLANTA — The Falcons’ chance to pull even before halftime vanished when rookie Zachariah Branch muffed a punt. Chicago turned the mistake into a touchdown three plays later, widening its lead and setting the tone for a 31-23 Bears win Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Atlanta had expected to get the ball back with an opportunity to tie. Instead, the Bears capitalized on the short field, and the Falcons spent the rest of the afternoon trying to close the gap. The loss dropped Atlanta to 2-4, left it winless at home and marked its second set of back-to-back defeats this season.
The Falcons found more offense after the break, with touchdowns from Jahan Dotson, Kyle Pitts and Branch helping them stay in the game. But Chicago kept its advantage, and Atlanta could not make up the early damage. A crowd that included a sizable contingent of Bears fans broke into “Let’s Go Bears” chants as the visitors held on.
Bears quarterback Caleb Williams completed 30 of 36 passes for 305 yards and three touchdowns without an interception. Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. went 19-for-33 for 225 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. He was sacked five times and lost a fumble.
Chicago improved to 4-2. For Atlanta, the result extended a difficult start at home and underscored how costly a single possession can be when the offense is already working from behind.