2 ex-Falcons veterans discover the grass isn’t always greener elsewhere
Chicago’s pair of big offseason additions from Atlanta experience a crushing defeat.
Grady Jarrett and Drew Dalman had been long-standing members of the Falcons’ core for years.
Yet both stints ended — Jarrett with a release and Dalman with his contract expiring. The two signed on with a rising Chicago Bears squad, but after just one week, they may be questioning that move.
Just like their old team, the Bears were stunned by a divisional foe pulling off a late rally, putting both veterans in all-too-familiar territory.
Grady Jarrett and Drew Dalman endure déjà vu in Week 1 collapse
Anyone who caught Monday Night Football saw how shocking the Bears’ blown 17-6 lead was. They controlled the contest for most of the night but couldn’t seal it.
Caleb Williams opened strong, firing passes that made the Ben Johnson hire look brilliant. But momentum flipped as Minnesota’s defense adapted, forcing him to scramble constantly.
On the other hand, J.J. McCarthy looked dreadful early — barely completing throws and tossing what looked like a game-ending pick-six in the second half.
Then he suddenly caught fire, driving the Vikings’ offense right at Grady Jarrett and company.
Before long, Minnesota was on top, while Chicago completely mismanaged the clock. Tell me this didn’t feel straight out of the Falcons’ playbook…
It’s the same type of script Jarrett and Dalman watched countless times in Atlanta — Olamide Zaccheaus included.
Truthfully, how could they not wonder if they’d be better off with the Falcons? Sure, Atlanta also lost, but the team had promising moments. Rookie Michael Penix Jr. looked legitimate, while Caleb Williams, after a 10-for-10 start, fell apart.
So many misfires stood out — especially an overthrow that would’ve been an easy touchdown late. Watching him resembled a kid handed John Elway’s arm for a day — all power, zero mechanics.
The reality is money drove their departures. Both probably preferred staying with the franchise that drafted them. Still, Grady Jarrett and Drew Dalman walked off Monday night stunned as their lead evaporated in seconds.
