Week 2 Preview: Philadelphia Eagles @ Atlanta Falcons

Week 2 Preview: Philadelphia Eagles @ Atlanta Falcons

Sunday, September 15 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Eagles 1.5 point-favorites 

After dismantling the Washington Redskins in the second half of Week One’s matchup, the Eagles travel to Georgia to tee off with the Atlanta Falcons. The last three matchups between these teams have been all Philadelphia wins, with the winner averaging only 19 points in a series of surprisingly low-scoring affairs. Atlanta’s high-powered offense didn’t fit the description last week in a lopsided defeat at the hands of the Vikings, and they should come out hungry in fear of starting 0-2. 

Injury Report:

OUT

Philadelphia: Kamu Grugier-Hill (LB, knee), Jordan Mailata (OT, back)

Atlanta: Matt Gono (OT, back)

DOUBTFUL

Philadelphia: Nate Sudfeld (QB, wrist)

Atlanta: —

QUESTIONABLE:

Philadelphia: —

Atlanta: Russell Gage (WR, head/hamstring)

WILL PLAY:

Philadelphia: Derek Barnett (DE, shoulder), Fletcher Cox (DT, foot)

Atlanta: Deadrin Senat (DT, back), Wes Schweitzer (OG, shoulder), Kenjon Barner (RB, ankle)

Besides the loss of Malik Jackson for the season, the Eagles injury outlook is nearly identical to last week. Timmy Jernigan will see extended time. Gono isn’t a factor for Atlanta, but with the way the offensive line looked last week, they can use all the help they can get. 

Analysis:

Julio Jones has had his way with the Eagles defense in recent games, but it hasn’t led to points for Atlanta. The average score of the last three matchups between these teams has been 19-12 (ATL averaging the 12, losing all three). The Falcons lost by 16 to a team that only threw the ball ten times the ENTIRE game, instead allowing Dalvin Cook to have his way with their defense. The Eagles ran the ball with a purpose in the second half of their game, and if they can do it again, they’ll keep Matt Ryan and his set of weapons on the sideline. The Falcons offensive line was a turnstile last week, and could be the perfect medicine for an Eagles defensive line that couldn’t buy a QB hit if it was free in Week One. Hitting Ryan early and often would work wonders in throwing him off of his rhythm. After getting torched by Case Keenum and Terry McLaurin, the DBs are going to have to step up big time against a superior cast in Atlanta. 

It’s imperative that the Eagles don't start off sluggish like they did last week when they were staring down a 17-0 deficit in the first half. The Falcons are better than the Redskins and likely won’t relinquish a big lead like that (well… maybe). If I’m Doug Pederson, I’m feeding Jordan Howard to control the clock and ensuring that Julio Jones never sees single coverage against any of our CBs. That could spell trouble. The Eagles are far better than Atlanta on both sides of the line, and that should make all the difference in what will be another entertaining matchup between the bird logos. 

Prediction: Eagles 24, Falcons 19

-By: Micah Jimoh