Atlanta Falcons Travel to Face Philadelphia Eagles

The Atlanta Falcons continue their attempt to get back to the Super Bowl. Unlike some teams in the playoffs at this point that haven’t been to the Super Bowl in years, the Falcons are struggling to get the memories of last season’s lost out of their minds. On the other hand, the Eagles have not made a playoff appearance since the 2013 season. However, the Falcons are 1-2 in playoff games against the Eagles with their last playoff matchup in 2004.

Matt Ryan Leads the Falcons

Matt Ryan is arguably playing some of his best football thus far after the team’s wild-card win over the Rams last week 26-13. Ryan went 21 for 30 for 218 yards and a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday.

Ryan says that his team is prepared for the game ahead but it should be a tough matchup.

Ryan proved his success under pressure in the Falcons win against the Rams and impressive postseason play will need to continue to keep his team in the playoffs.

Julio Jones is going to be the other critical player on the Falcons offense that will need to perform against the Eagles defense. Jones has an impressive 1,444 yards on the season and averages 16.4 yards per catch. Jones says that trusting his teammates in a big part of his game plan this weekend.

 

Falcons Defense and its improvements

The Falcons defense has improved since last season allowing 56 fewer yards than in 2016. One major leader out on the field is starting linebacker Deion Jones. Jones has made some big plays for the Falcons defense including intercepting Drew Brees in their 23-13 win in Week 16.

The Falcons defense showed up and shut down the highest scoring offense in the NFL in their wild-card win. The Rams quarterback, Jared Goff, went 24-45  and was sacked 3 times by the Falcons’ defense. The Rams were held to 361 total yards against the Rams. Atlanta held Todd Gurley to 101 yards rushing and will have to look to make big stops on the Eagles as well if they wish to continue on their attempt to return to the super bowl

The Falcons will need to play with grit when defending the Eagles this weekend. Philadelphia is led by their former backup quarterback Nick Foles after Carson Wentz’s season-ending injury in week 14. The team working to get him comfortable in Eagle’s offense going into their playoff appearance.

NFL Divisional Round

The Falcons will travel to face the Eagles in Philadelphia on Saturday with kickoff at 4:35 p.m. The Falcons will try to keep the Super Bowl within their reach.