"The hallmarks of Mike Smith's three previous Atlanta Falcons' teams have been their propensity for solid and smart play mixed in with a heavy dose of solid tackling.

In their 2011 debut against the Chicago Bears Sunday, the Falcons didn't resemble those teams that posted three consecutive winning campaigns and went to the playoffs in two of them.

The Falcons, most everyone's favorite to repeat as the NFC South champion, looked lethargic on offense and unsure on defense as Bears quarterback Jay Cutler rifled holes in their zone defense.

With nine penalties, several missed tackles and three turnovers, the Falcons were made to look very ordinary, as they were routed 30-12 by the Bears at historic Soldier Field."