NFL
By: Mark T. Wilson
The Philadelphia Eagles will take on the Atlanta Falcons in Week 2 following their defeat of the Green Bay Packers in Brazil. The Birds are coming home. The Eagles offense continues to be a work in progress with new additions on the field and the sidelines. The same can be said regarding the Falcons. With Kirk Cousins now leading the charge at QB, the Falcons were picked by many to contend for the NFC South crown.
The Eagles, despite falling flat in the second half of last season, are still regarded as one of the teams to beat in the NFC. However, they cannot continue to let teams stay in games due to miscues. This week, it should be all about protecting the ball. Too many turnovers in Week 1 almost cost them a victory.
Here are 3 keys to victory for the Philadelphia Eagles against the Atlanta Falcons.
Stop The Run
This is my common theme for the Eagles’ defense every week. And it will stay that way until they do their job. Last week against the Green Bay Packers, the defense was slashed for 163 yards on the ground. While the field conditions were not the best for the defense, they still need to maintain their lanes. The Falcons have two backs who can hurt them on that side of the ball.
Bijan Robinson is a threat to take it to the house whenever he touches the ball. In their Week 1 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Robinson ran the ball 18 times for 68 yards. As a team, the Falcons registered 88 yards on 23 carries. Not the best of stats but we know what these backs are capable of any given week. This is something Vic Fangio has to correct.
Keep The Turnovers Down
Normally, when a team loses the turnover battle, they lose the game. Luckily for the Philadelphia Eagles, that didn’t happen in their Week 1 matchup against the Packers. But how long will that trend continue? Jalen Hurts had 2 fumbles. And while 1 wasn’t his fault, those issues must be corrected. Hurts also tossed two bad interceptions. The Falcons’ defense is improved from last season and for this game to be won, the offense must take care of the football.
The Steelers had 0 turnovers against the Falcons and that’s a bit concerning considering Justin Fields was at QB. There is no way they can allow the Falcons’ defense to feast on Hurts and Co. Protecting the ball will be huge. The offense struggled in the first quarter but got things going despite their miscues.
Get After Cousins
It was clear watching the Falcons that Cousins doesn’t feel comfortable yet. It could be the offensive scheme or it could be Cousins protecting himself from another injury. He looked jittery in the pocket and this should bode well for the Eagles’ pass rush. Against the Steelers, the Falcons’ offensive live surrendered 2 sacks but they allowed him to be hit 7 times. Against the Packers, the Eagles front sacked Jordan Love just once and accumulated just 5 hits on him.
The defensive line the Eagles must get to Cousins and rattle him or he will pick the improved secondary apart. The Eagles gave up just 260 yards through the air and surrendered one big play but Cousins has the veteran presence to make plays. Getting pressure on the QB should be the main focus of Fangio’s this week in practice.
