NFL Week 6: Atlanta Falcons at Philadelphia Eagles Breakdown

Welcome to the Week 6 edition of the Falcons breakdown, previously known as the matchup breakdown. This week Michael Vick may start his first game against his old team, leading me to this...

Headline: Michael Vick's possible start against his old team

We all remember the days of Michael Vick being the Atlanta Falcons' franchise quarterback. He was a beloved figure in Atlanta and believe it or not, still has his fans. Last year, Falcons fans chanted "We Want Vick" in a blowout lose to the Eagles (Matt Ryan missed that game with a turf toe).

Vick is now the Eagles starting quarterback and is listed as questionable for Sunday's game with a rib injury that he suffered against the Redskins. This could be the first ever Ryan vs. Vick matchup but if not, the first ever Ryan vs. Kolb matchup will happen. Which sounds more appealing to you?

Keys to Victory for the Philadelphia Eagles

1. Slow down the Falcons' running game. The combination of Michael Turner and Jason Snelling rank second in the league in rushing and the Eagles rush defense ranks 24th so, Philadelphia you have a problem! I would normally say you can put eight men in the box, but that isn't the case here. I'm not sure how they'll stop it.

2. Don't name a starting quarterback until gametime. This sounds pretty stupid, I understand that. However, Kevin Kolb and Michael Vick have two completely different styles of play. This causes Atlanta to prepare for both guys, which kills time that could be spent on other things.

Keys to Victory for the Atlanta Falcons

1. Use Jason Snelling more. Just watching, you can tell Snelling has been more effective than Michael Turner. The carries should be more split than they are.   

2. Don't allow so many big plays. While they lead the league in interceptions, the Falcons secondary has also allowed a ton of big plays (Dunta Robinson, I'm looking at you!).

The Rest of the Falcons offense vs. the Eagles defense

Matt Ryan has led two fourth quarter comebacks, so the Eagles can't have this game go into the final minutes. 

Philadelphia's pass defense ranks eighth in the NFL. Asante Samuel will cover Roddy White, which is a huge key to this game. Tony Gonzalez causes matchup problems against almost everyone, so it will be interesting to see how the Eagles cover him.

The Rest of the Eagles offense vs. the Falcons defense

Whoever the Eagles quarterback is, they need to avoid mistakes with the Falcons leading the league in interceptions. Kevin Kolb seems to be more mistake prone.

LeSean McCoy has been good this season, he has 365 yards and 5 touchdowns. The problem here is McCoy only has 68 attempts, which isn't enough. Andy Reid needs to run the ball more and it will help the quarterback greatly.

I can almost guarantee DeSean Jackson will burn Dunta Robinson at least once in this game. With Jackson's speed and Robinson tendency to get beat deep, it will happen. Jeremy Maclin and Brett Celek are also bigtime targets for Vick or Kolb. Brett Grimes will cover Maclin, while a linebacker (I'm not sure who) will cover Celek. Grimes on Maclin should be very interesting, considering they are both small, athletic players.

I will not have a Monday Night Football edition of breakdown this week, although I had previously mentioned otherwise. I will return to Bleacher Report next week.