Failing to avenge themselves for last year's last-minute loss at the Georgia Dome, the Bears -- suffering from several key penalties, poor defensive calls, and a feckless red zone offense -- lost to the Falcons 21-14.
In a game that came down to a last-minute fourth quarter drive, the Bears were stymied by a tenacious Falcons D and their own sloppy play.
The Bears had every opportunity to score, but failed to convert several times in the red zone. The game was marked by several fumbles -- including two on back-to-back plays from the typically steadfast Forte -- and penalties from key players, including a false start from veteran Orlando Pace that contributed to the Bears' final failed drive.
The Falcons, meanwhile, confused the Bears with a no-huddle offense that, at one point, allowed Matt Ryan to throw eight completions in a row.
The Bears drop to 3-2 in a division that now includes a 6-0 Minnesota led by longtime nemesis Brett Favre.
Chicago started strong in the first quarter, with Cutler completing his first eight passes before being picked in the red zone by safety Thomas DeCloud, his first of two.
The Bears went ahead in the 2nd quarter on a picture-perfect 23-yard pass to Knox.
Sports
But Atlanta answered with 14 consecutive points on two TDs, first on a 40-yard pass to Roddy White and then a 10-yarder to Tony Gonzalez.
After a scoreless third quarter, the Bears drew even on a two-yard pass to Olsen in the fourth.
The tie was short-lived however, as the Falcons scored on a short run by Michael Turner to go up 21-14 with 3:06 remaining.
The Bears responded with an impressive drive down to within five of the endzone, but came up short.
