Philadelphia Eagles: What to Watch for as They Host the Falcons

After suffering a tough road defeat against N.F.C. East rivals New York a week ago, the Philadelphia Eagles look to get back to winning ways against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.

The Philadelphia Eagles (4-4), fell 28-23 at Metlife Stadium a week ago as Carson Wentz tossed for 364 yards. The rookie quarterback did throw two interceptions, while the offense also was stopped on three different fourth down scenarios.
The Eagles defense intercepted Eli Manning twice but allowed four passing scores from the Giants QB. Currently, heading into Sunday’s contest with the NFC South leaders, the Atlanta Falcons (6-3), the Eagles sit three games behind Dallas in the NFC East division race.

Quarterback Matt Ryan has been the focal point of Atlanta’s success throwing for 2,980 yards so far with 23 touchdowns to only four INT’s. The Penn Charter product believes that playing as a rookie helped him learn so much, as Wentz goes through the same process.

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“But for me, I feel like the experience was invaluable. I learned so much from on the field experiences, but also what it takes to get yourself really ready to play during the week. I think you find your routine best when you’re out there playing. You figure out how much time you need to devote to your mind, to your body, to getting those things right, to film, to craft, to skill. All of those things helped because I played and I’m really fortunate to have done that.”

A big issue on Sunday will be who will cover Julio Jones one-on-one? The Pro Bowl wide-out has 970 yards and five scores and is Ryan’s #1 target. Running back Devonta Freeman is also a dangerous threat, who has rushed for 620 yards and three scores so far.

With a huge home game approaching for the Birds, here are three things to watch.

1.) Eagles Must Provide Safety Help vs Julio.
Julio Jones is a stud that is in the conversation for the best WR in the league. He is big, physical, and rarely drops passes for Atlanta. The threat of having him on the field, also opens up chances for Mohamed Sanu and other Atlanta receivers. I feel that for the Eagles to keep Julio off the board, they will need either Malcolm Jenkins or Rodney McLeod to provide help for the corners. Most likely, Leodis McKelvin with stick Jones one-on-one but players like Nolan Carroll and Jalen Mills may also get time. #11 must be watched carefully, and if not he could torch the Eagles secondary on Sunday.

2.) Doug Pederson needs to Unleash Carson Wentz.
I understand that Doug Pederson wants to take baby steps with Carson Wentz as a rookie but sitting at 4-4, the Eagles need to take chances. Wentz’s 364 yards last week went a little un-noticed but with a suspect running game, the quarterback needs to be able to take chances downfield. With #1 corner Desmond Trufant out for Atlanta, Jordan Matthews and Zach Ertz should be Wentz’s main targets against an average Atlanta defense. Bryce Treggs was a nice surprise a week ago stepping in for the then-released Josh Huff and should see more looks as well. The dink-and-dunk offense works sometimes, but Pederson needs to let his rookie QB take some deep chances to give the Eagles a chance to win.

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3.) Matt Ryan NEEDS to be pressured by Schwartz’s defense.
D.C. Jim Schwartz needs to dial-up blitzes against Matt Ryan for the Eagles to have a chance to win. A guy like Matt Ryan will torch you if he is given plenty of time to throw, and does become flustered when pressured. Fletcher Cox and Connor Barwin need to have big games on the defensive front to help relieve some stress on the offense. If these two can be leaders for the defense on Sunday, then we could see the Eagles have a good chance of moving to 5-4.
Be sure to check back following Sunday’s game for all the news, stats, and opinions regarding the Eagles vs Falcons.

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