Philadlephia Eagles Vs Atlanta Falcons: Big Game With Big Play Makers in Week 6
This Sunday the Philadelphia Eagles will host the red hot Atlanta Falcons who are not only the best team in the conference—but the entire league.
To prove my point I am including a link of the league standings which I found on NFL.com so all of us die hard Eagles fans truly understand exactly what the Eagles are up against.
Did you check it out, they are in fact the best team in the NFL at this very moment sporting a 4-1 record. Their lone loss came in the first week of the season to the Pittsburgh Steelers by two field goals.
To be completely honest here, the thought of having to face the Falcons flat out frightens me. I know after the win over the San Francisco 49ers, I made the mistake of saying the Eagles defense "shined" with their turnover performance, but I was quickly reminded by many of you that the 49ers stink.
Fair enough!
This week, well all I can say is I'm glad CB Asante Samuel is expected to return because this Falcons offense is going to give the Eagles a huge fit—and it won't get any easier when Philadelphia has the ball either.
QB Matt Ryan
1 of 17
QB Matt Ryan is entering his third season with the Atlanta Falcons after being their first round draft choice in 2008. He has extreme poise in the pocket, an accurate arm, and is capable of extending the play just enough to allow one of his targets to get open.
Ryan has completed 109 of 177 passes (61 percent rating) through five games this season while amassing seven TDs in the process.
If the Eagles allow him to come into his home town of Philly and start off on a hot foot, he clearly has the potential to shred this defense apart.
On the flip side however, Matt Ryan has also coughed up the ball one way or another a total of five times (3 INTs, 2 fumbles) averaging exactly one turnover per game.
With CB Asante Samuel stepping back onto the field, the Eagles clearly have a more solidified secondary so the potential to slow Ryan down is there, however, Atlanta has many weapons which we'll be getting into in just a second.
Moving on!
TE Tony Gonzalez
2 of 17
A primary target for QB Matt Ryan, TE Tony Gonzalez will be the Eagles biggest challenge on Sunday while the Birds are on defense. He is right on pace to have a duplicate season as he did in 2009 as he is averaging 10.3 yards per catch through five games—he ended the season last year with 10.4 yard per catch.
It will be up to the Eagles LB unit to force a seize of movement provided by Gonzalez but I have my warranted doubts whether they will be able to or not.
Tony is a pro bowl caliber TE in the NFC, one of the toughest there is no question about it, and he faces a defense that historically has been destroyed by opposing TEs.
The Eagles LBs are either to small or not fast enough to effectively cover a TE in a pass formation which poses other problems.
If Sean McDermott and the Eagles defense has to keep multiple sets of eyes on Gonzalez, well that that is going to open the flood gates for other players to make an impact and that right there is why TE Tony Gonzalez is going to have a field day this Sunday.
Now, I also said the same thing about RB Frank Gore (49ers) last week and the defense held him to just 52 yards rushing so you never know when this defense can surprise you.
I guess it just depends on which "D" wants to show up huh?
RB Michael Turner
3 of 17
This man right here is the main event on the Falcons offense, he might not have the most TDs on the team but he clearly has the most yards with 421 yards on 93 attempts (4.5 YPC).
Turner does something the Eagles haven't been able to do in some time now—effectively run the ball and his yards per carry (YPC) proves that.
He won't break off a huge run on every down, although he's capable of tearing one off, rather he has a knack of moving the chains, eating up chunks of time, and allows the Falcons defense to catch their breath and regain their momentum.
Also, as I've mentioned in previous articles of mine, RBs have been steam rolling the Eagles this season due to lack of strength, poor tackling, or whatever the situation is the Eagles seem to struggle at peek points of the game.
But they still force turnovers.
Back to Turner who has yet to turn the ball over on his dime has hands made of rock when he's rushing and gel like hands if he's asked to become a receiver out of the backfield—something that generally isn't asked of him.
Last week he sported 140 yards rushing on just 19 attempts (7.4 YPC) and if he has this type of game again this week, I'll say it right now it will be lights out for the Eagles.
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
WR Roddy White
4 of 17
Falcons WR Roddy White is the deep threat guy on the team capable of getting past his defender and speed burning down field, and with Matt Ryan's accuracy you can see why the two are a dynamic threat.
White leads the Falcons with TDs with three and he knows how to use his 6'0", 212 pound frame to his advantage.
Roddy also currently leads the Falcons in yards with 463 on 37 receptions so it is clear as day to see that the Eagles secondary will need to be on their A games on Sunday.
Roddy White is the best receiving option available to QB Matt Ryan but he's not the only one!
I'm assuming that if in fact CB Asante Samuel does play, White is the guy he will be matched up against. He'll most likely need help from strong safety Quintin Mikell as well in order to keep White from gaining confidence during the game.
Falcons Defensive Line Vs Eagles Offensive Line
5 of 17
Here are the starters along the defensive line for the Atlanta Falcons; at defensive tackle they have Jonathan Babineaux and Peria Jerry. At the defensive end position the Falcons have John Abraham and Kroy Biermann.
We all know who the Eagles have along their offensive line so I ask the question—nervous much? I can immediately think of one man who is and his name is Kevin Kolb.
While it isn't known whether or not QB Michael Vick will be able to start, the general concesus is that Kolb is the man likely to start this Sunday—but Mike is telling us all not to count him out just yet.
Regardless of who is starting that person will need nimble feet against a defensive line that gets to opposing QBs.
The biggest name of the bunch is John Abraham who sports the biggest sack total of the gang at four, but with the exception of just one player out of those four (RDT Peria Jerry), each has at least one sack so far in the 2010 season.
Like I stated earlier, we all know who the Eagles have on the O-line and with a QB in Kevin Kolb who has been relatively awful and isn't checking down all his options, this game can very ugly extremely quick.
If the defense burst through the whole on the very first snap, how long will it take before Kolb ends up concussed again?
Eagles Who Need to Step Up
6 of 17
The following slides are a list of players who need to step up in this weeks match-up vs. the Atlanta Falcons.
Yes, once again head coach Andy Reid deserves to be included in these slides but we won't go there!
Side Note: NFL.com has guard Nick Cole listed as the Eagles RDE instead of Trent Cole—Reputation level has just decreased drastically, so what they share the same last name, they are completely different players at completely different positions.
Shame on you NFL.com, here's the link to see that screw up if you're interested:
LB Stewart Bradley
7 of 17
Middle linebacker Stewart Bradley has himself a challenge this week, a difficult one. He'll need to be both a soldier and leader on the field for defensive coordinator Sean McDermott.
The problem is Stew is just beginning to knock of the accumulated rust on his bones after missing all of last season with a knee injury.
Now heading into week six of the 2010 season, Bradley is going have a TE in Tony Gonzalez and a RB in Michael Turner, among other players on the Falcons roster, that he will have to stay one step ahead of for sixty minutes—and rally the other troops to follow his lead.
Bradley has had a full off-season to gain strength in his knee and get back to the speed of the game. Now, the Eagles organization and the fan base need a dominating performance from him this Sunday.
We need him to return to the tenacious defender he was prior to his injury and have complete trust in his knee.
For a starting MLB in the NFL, almost half way through the 2010 season, Bradley is off to a slow start recording a total of just 16 tackles and notching two assists.
I have confidence that he will return to rare form but I'm not sure if he will be 100 percent at all during this season with the constant wear and tear on a healed injury.
QB Kevin Kolb
8 of 17
Ah yes, how can a list of players who need to step up be created without this guys name on it right? Kevin Kolb played a much better game last week filling in for the injured Michael Vick, and didn't appear to be as lost as he has in the recent past.
Still, what Kolb has done to the confidence of the Eagles organization and fans might not be repairable unless he can begin playing at an extremely high level.
He ended last weeks game with a passer rating of 103.3 percent, completing 21 of 31 passes for 253 yards and a TD against a sad 49ers team.
The scary part of last week was the fact that the offensive line gave up four sacks on Kolb—again, against a very poor team.
This week the Eagles face a defensive line who can disrupt the backfield and create turnovers.
Can Kolb come out being at home and give us fans something to cheer about, or will he empty the Linc before the game even ends?
DT Antonio Dixon
9 of 17
For DT Antonio Dixon, this Sunday poses as an opportunity to show case himself as he has been named the starting right defensive tackle for this Sunday's matchup, maybe even beyond if Brodrick Bunkley's elbow injury will take longer than expected to recover from.
Dixon has played in all five games this season in a limited role but has managed to get a sack in there making the most of his time.
He is an extremely raw talent who has brute strength to push his competition aside in order to greet the opposing QB or RB in the backfield.
We really haven't seen much of Dixon in the past but his time to show us is now.
If Antonio proves he has learned a thing or two as a backup here in Philly, could that result in a person change along the front four on defense?
Two other players will get some playing time as well as a result of Bunkley's injury.
Third year man Trevor Laws and rookie Jeff Owens (recently promoted from practice squad) will also step in on a rotational basis in an attempt to keep everyone fresh.
WR Riely Cooper
10 of 17
First, welcome back Riley, now it's time to work. We've all seen what a big play potential you can be during the preseason as you were the top receiving threat in three of the four games. You've quickly become a rookie fan favorite in the Eagles community but don't take that for granted.
I don't believe he takes a thing for granted but the fans did show him quick support for playing in just his first preseason of his NFL career.
Now, heading into week six and returning from a concussion against the Washington Redskins, QB Kevin Kolb will most likely rely heavily on his biggest target on mid pattern passes.
Having two big frames covering the center of the stage in Brent Celek and Riley Cooper, this is going to open things up for WRs DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin to stretch the field and eat up big chunks of yards—hopefully!
Cooper is expected to play this game but the Eagles did keep him out of practice today for precautionary reasons obviously.
Welcome to Philadelphia Jerome Harrison
11 of 17
Earlier this week the Philadelphia Eagles announced they had acquired RB Jerome Harrison from the Cleveland Browns. In exchange for Harrison, the Eagles forfeited the rights to RB Mike Bell who has been a huge let down in his short stint with the Eagles.
Harrison is an extremely fast workhorse of a RB in the NFL who hasn't been provided a complete opportunity to display his talents.
Last season, Harrison stepped in for three weeks in the Browns offense and in that time he produced 103 carries in that time span—a jaw dropping 34.3 carries per game.
The thing that is quite unusual is he has an ability to run the ball any direction. Jerome can either use his speed to quickly get to the outside edge and take off from there or he can run straight through the middle of the pile.
The area where he struggles, and the reason he didn't become a starter in his first three years, is his inability to pass protect.
With that said, I wouldn't expect him in there with Kolb under center unless they wanted to give Shady a break on a run play.
Still, Harrison should hopefully be able to provide that spark that Mike Bell wasn't able to do and help the Eagles move the chains.
Other Falcons to Eagle Eye
12 of 17
That about sums it up for the players who truly make me think that this game is going to be an ugly one, however there are others so lets go ahead and name them here!
CB Dunta Robinson: Robinson has yet to pick off a QB this season but he has recorded 22 tackles so far and is most likely licking his choppers at the chance to face QB Kevin Kolb.
Safeties William Moore and Thomas DeCoud:
Not that either has astronomical numbers or anything but they both sport at least one INT, Moore has more with two, but they contribute nicely on run plays and are solid wrap up tacklers. If the Eagles O-line is struggling and the Falcons bring either of these guys in on a blitz package look out!
Falcons Fact On Defense
13 of 17
The Atlanta Falcons defensive unit is a sound one on a bad day and will prove to be what will most likely be the toughest challenge of the 2010 season to date.
They have amassed 11 total sacks with John Abraham leading the way there and 10 INTs with SS William Moore leading the squad on that front, but I will tell you all this—even the defensive line helps out there as well so don't go thinking it's just the CBs and safeties getting the job done.
If either QB Kevin Kolb or the offensive line, or both for that matter, struggle even just a little bit on Sunday the Eagles will be looking at a 3-3 record heading into the bye week.
Good thing for us fans is head coach Andy Reid has a winning record when coming off of a bye week and if the Birds can get it done this week, things will be looking pretty good after that.
Let's just hope the Eagles come out firing on all cylinders this week, on both sides of the ball, and the attending fans make it difficult for the Falcons offense to communicate effectively.
Also, if the refs can see to it that the Eagles actually get a little bit of home field advantage this week that'd be great. You know, if TE Brent Celek is getting his arm karate chopped before the ball hits him can ya call that—thanks!
Falcons Injury List
14 of 17
Below is a list of Atlanta Falcons players who are currently listed as injured:
LB Sean Weatherspoon: Did not practice
WR Brian Finneran: Full participation
DE John Abraham: Limited Participation
LB Curtis Lofton: Limited Participation
TE Justin Peelle: Limited Participation
Eagles Injury List: Seven Players "Back"
15 of 17
Here is the Eagles not so short list of injured players!
Full Participation:
TE Brent Celek: Wrist
DE Trent Cole: Hamstring
G Nick Cole: Knee
G Todd Herremans: Knee
T Austin Howard: Back
RB LeSean McCoy: Rib
CB Dimitri Patterson: Back
Did Not Practice:
DT Brodrick Bunkley: Elbow
WR Riley Cooper: Concussion
QB Michael Vick: Rib
Out (will not play):
T Jason Peters: Knee (shocker)
In Conclusion
16 of 17
I don't know what to think of this game to be honest. I know my initial reaction was the Eagles will lose this game but the more I sit here and ponder it, I think there is a real chance the Birds can pull this one off.
I'm also aware that I'm most likely the only one who thinks this would be possible but crazier things have happened in the NFL during the 2010 season so anything is possible.
As ESPNs Chris Berman would say: "This is why they play the game".
Think about it though for a second, while a 4-1 record looks awesome, the Falcons are only one win over the Eagles who are 3-2 so far making this a very interesting matchup.
I have no doubt that Asante Samuel can cover Roddy White for the most part, I said for the most part, and if the LBs can contain TE Tony Gonzalez and RB Michael Turner it should be a relatively low scoring game for the Falcons—but can the defense do their jobs is the question at hand!
On offense, well good luck Kolb.
I hope for your sake this offensive line is finally ready to make a statement this week and protect Kevin then there's a good shot of taking this game but if they allow anyone and everyone to simply run right by them like they have many times this year then mark my words—it doesn't matter how well the defense plays if the offense can't score points!
Head On Over To Bleeding Eagle Green (com)
17 of 17
Don't delay, come on over today and join the fun at Bleeding Eagle Green!
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
.png?w=480)
.jpg?w=600 "Post-June 1 Trade Candidates ☎️")
.JPG?w=600 "TO Talks Cowboys Relationship")
.jpg?w=600 "Taylor Heinicke Retiring")
.jpg?w=600 "49ers OC Hypes Mike Evans 🤩")