"Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher fully understands the quality of opponent coming Sunday to Soldier Field.

The Falcons finished as the NFC's top team last season with a 13-3 record. Quarterback Matt Ryan guided the league's fifth-best scoring offense. Not to mention the offensive weapons Ryan has in receiver Roddy White, rookie Julio Jones, tight end Tony Gonzalez and running back Michael Turner.

"It's a big challenge for us,'' Urlacher said. "They do everything well. Every week, it's always going to be a challenge.

"But you know what? We're pretty good, too. We think (the Falcons are) good. We definitely give them all the respect. But we match up well with them.''"