Bears to Face Left-Handed Quarterback on Sunday
The Chicago Bears prepare to play an uncommon opponent in Michael Penix and the Atlanta Falcons this weekend.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Football
Live Poll
Do you believe specialized practice for rare opponents makes a meaningful difference in game results?
The Chicago Bears are scheduled to play the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday, October 18, 2026. The matchup marks a rare occasion for the team, as they face a left-handed starting quarterback.
Why it matters
Left-handed quarterbacks are historically uncommon, appearing in only 11 of the 426 regular-season games played by the Bears since 2000. This rarity forces teams to adjust their standard defensive preparations to counter the different spin and trajectory of passes.
Only 2.6% of Chicago Bears games since 2000 have featured an opposing left-handed starting quarterback. The team has faced such a signal-caller only once in the last 15 years, which occurred in Week 9 of 2022 against Tua Tagovailoa.
The players
Michael Penix
He is the starting quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons who has helped the team achieve a 2-1 record since he began starting in Week 3.
Tommy Rees
He serves as the offensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons and adjusted team plays this offseason to accommodate a left-handed quarterback.
Kevin Koch
He is an assistant linebackers coach for the Chicago Bears who is simulating left-handed throws during practice.
The details
To prepare for the uncommon look, Chicago assistant linebackers coach Kevin Koch is throwing passes during practice to mimic the unique left-handed rotation. This adjustment is necessary as a football spins approximately 600 times per minute, creating a different challenge for defenders accustomed to right-handed mechanics.
Timeline
Sunday, October 18, 2026: The Bears play against the Atlanta Falcons.
Week 9, 2022: The Bears last faced a left-handed starter in Tua Tagovailoa.
Season Trajectory
Facing a left-handed quarterback requires a specialized defensive shift that rarely occurs in the current NFL landscape. This matchup against Michael Penix serves as an outlier in the Bears schedule compared to the more frequent right-handed looks they encounter throughout the season.
The Bears defense will need to account for the unconventional ball rotation provided by Michael Penix, who has been a central figure in the Falcons 2-1 record since Week 3. Expect coaching staff to prioritize defensive positioning during the week to mitigate the specific challenges of a left-handed passer.
The takeaway
Preparing for a left-handed quarterback requires specific adjustments to defensive drills and reaction timing. Coaches often utilize staff members to mimic the unique spin of a left-handed throw to ready the defense for the Sunday game.
Further reading
For more news and analysis on the team, visit the Chicago Football section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Chicago Sun-Times.
Live Poll
Do you believe specialized practice for rare opponents makes a meaningful difference in game results?
