Quick Thoughts After Eagles Edge Out Falcons in 2018 NFL Season Opener
The first game of the 2018 NFL season is in the books as the Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Atlanta Falcons in what ended up being a thriller after a sluggish first half. All three touchdowns and were scored in the final 20 minutes of play to go along with three turnovers. For the second time in the past eight months, the Eagles have bested the Falcons at Lincoln Financial Field. The way both games were decided were strikingly similar as the Falcons had the ball in the red zone with a chance to win if they could just get the ball across the goal line on their final drive. Atlanta had five attempts from the inside the 10-yard line and could not get it done as Ronald Darby forced Julio Jones out of bounds in the end zone as the clock expired. The narrative from the 2017 season remains the same for both teams as Philly keeps its magic run alive as underdogs with a backup quarterback by pulling out another gritty win. The Falcons, on the other hand, continue their red zone woes even with arguably the best receiver in football on their roster.
Biggest Takeaways From the Game
Eagles:
- The Super Bowl banner reveal was delayed 45 minutes by a storm but it made no difference to the Philly faithful who have waited much longer than that to claim their first Lombardi. Brian Dawkins had the fans fired up as he usually does, it was an awesome sight to see. Now 12 teams remain who have never won a Super Bowl, we will see if that changes this season.
- The Eagles D line is SCARY. The combination of Haloti Ngata, Michael Bennett, Chris Long, Brandon Graham, Derek Barnett and Fletcher Cox headline what is the deepest front seven in the NFL. This depth allows the pass rush to stay fresh all game. This is a nightmare for opposing offensive lines and quarterbacks as was obvious by the four sacks the Falcons gave up and Matt Ryan’s 49% completion percentage.
- It looks like Jay Ajayi will be the feature back moving forward. While he started out at the back of the rotation early in the game, due to his foot injury, he looked plenty fine as he rushed for two touchdowns and a two-point conversion. He led the team in rushing with 62 yards on 15 carries.
- Darren Sproles is still in the league? The dynamic running back (and return man) isn’t quite what he used to be but is still a great gadget piece. He’s the second oldest running back in the league now at 35 years young, which is absolutely incredible.
- PHILLY PHILLY. They strike again with the Philly Special. I love the tenacity and guts to make that call again but I worry about the day a linebacker or safety tees off on a contorted quarterback catching the ball. I don’t think you want Nate Sudfeld as your starting QB right now Philly…
- Philly will not be denied. Say what you want but this team is gritty. They find ways to keep winning as they are now 6–1 in the 7 starts Nick Foles has made filling in for Carson Wentz. If Philly keeps winning and Carson Wentz comes back 100% healthy we are looking at a team that should be back in the NFC Championship at least this season. They are just THAT good. Not to mention their top receiver, Alshon Jeffrey, did not play last night as he recovers from offseason rotator cuff surgery.
Falcons:
- Julio Jones is in midseason form. Jones showcased his dominance starting with his first touch of the season. A jet sweep play that should’ve been foiled in the backfield instead resulted in a monstrous stiff arm on safety Rodney McLeod and a first down. He finished with 169 yards on 10 receptions and could have eclipsed 200 yards had the 52-yard catch he reeled in early in the 3rd quarter been ruled on correctly. He made clutch catch after clutch catch all game as he was the only Falcons receiver to finish with more than 26 yards receiving. As per usual, he didn’t score any touchdowns, which is worrisome.
- Can Atlanta’s defense stay healthy? Pro Bowl safety, Keanu Neal, is out for the season with a torn ACL after he hurt his left knee during the second half of the game. Desmond Trufant, Deion Jones, Vic Beasley, and Takk McKinley all left the game for a few plays due to injury. Falcons fans certainly do not want that to be an issue this season. The loss of Neal is already massive.
- Red. Zone. Struggles. Steve Sarkisian’s offense needs to start scoring touchdowns in the red zone or else the Falcons are in for a long season, like last season. Matt Ryan’s regression in his passing yards and TD to INT ratio over the past two seasons are notable. A staggering stat from ESPN shows that dating back to last season Ryan is 1 for 20 when targeting Julio Jones in the end zone. That is jarring.
- Where was Calvin Ridley? The wideout was drafted in the first round this offseason and logged zero catches. He is supposed to be the compliment to Julio Jones for what is expected to be an explosive Falcons offense.
New NFL Features / Rules:
- The new green highlight that NBC is using on 3rd and 4th down for the area between the line of scrimmage and the down to reach is a great feature. This makes it easier for football fans and casual observers alike to understand the mark the offense has to reach for a new set of downs.
- The first experience with the new catch rule came on a reception by Falcons tight end Austin Hooper in the first quarter. The ball appeared to be loose as he hit the ground but was ruled complete after an Eagles challenge. Last season, that probably would’ve been a non-catch.
- How was that Julio Jones 52 yard catch not a catch? He clearly pinned the ball to his helmet before going out of bounds and there was no sign of the ball touching the ground. That was a huge play in the game when momentum was still up for grabs. Philly gained a lot of the momentum following that incorrect call as they scored their first touchdown of the game on the ensuing drive.
- TWENTY-SIX. That’s how many penalties were called. The NFL needs to figure out how to give the game a better flow, these penalties are killing it.
- The roughing the passer call late in the first half against Falcon’s defensive lineman Grady Jarrett was ridiculous. What else is a 300-pound man supposed to do when he is running full speed after a quarterback trying to force a safety or a turnover? The penalty was for him applying his full body weight on Foles but in that situation, Jarrett was already going full speed at him. Tough call on what was a great football play. Hopefully, they don’t enforce that rule change too strongly this season.
