Philadelphia Eagles: 4 takeaways from 18-12 win over Atlanta Falcons in Week 1

3. Defense steps up the most

Let the record show that if it wasn’t for Philadelphia’s defense stepping up their game when the team needed it the most, chances are Atlanta would have won this game in a big way, and it wouldn’t have even been close. Whether it was preventing the Falcons from scoring on a goal-line stand during the first drive of the game to holding them to 12 points in general, the Eagles’ defense showed early signs of being a top unit once again during the 2018 season.

When looking at all of the weapons Matt Ryan has to work with from Julio Jones to Devonta Freeman, the Falcons never make it easy for any opponent. And even though Jones ended up getting his 10 catches for 169 yards to lead all receivers in the game, at least the Eagles were able to keep him out of the end zone, including times when it mattered the most towards the end of the game.

The fact that Atlanta only recorded one touchdown the entire game despite numerous opportunities deep in Philadelphia territory shows how special of a unit Jim Schwartz has on this team. By showing they can keep a high-powered offense in the Falcons in check, the Eagles’ defense will use this as motivation moving forward.