The Philadelphia Eagles are looking to start the regular season 2-0, with the Atlanta Falcons traveling to the City of Brotherly Love. Despite winning in Week 1, the Eagles likely want to put together a much stronger performance in front of the team’s home crowd.
Following a demoralizing loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Falcons are looking to bounce back and make a statement against one of the top teams in the NFC.
While both Philadelphia and Atlanta have plenty of talented players, here are five wild cards to watch for during Monday night’s matchup.
5 Wild Cards for Falcons vs. Eagles in Week 2
Ray-Ray McCloud, WR, Falcons
Throughout his seven-year career in the NFL, McCloud has primarily been a return specialist. Yet he enjoyed one of his best games as a wide receiver in his debut for the Falcons in Week 1.
McCloud led Atlanta with 52 receiving yards and seven targets against the Steelers. He was Cousins’ go-to target on first down, as he hauled in all four of his receptions on first down in Week 1, according to TruMedia.
Given the Eagles’ struggles against Jayden Reed in Week 1, McCloud could give Philadelphia trouble due to his game-breaking speed. McCloud is a player to watch on both special teams and wide receiver for the Falcons.
Isaiah Rodgers, CB, Eagles
During training camp, it appeared as though Rodgers was slated to start at cornerback opposite Darius Slay. But Rodgers was ruled out due to a hand injury ahead of Week 1 and rookie CB Quinyon Mitchell started in his place.
Now it’s going to be interesting to see what Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio does with Rodgers returning to action. Mitchell will likely start in base packages before moving into the slot during nickel packages.
That would allow Rodgers to play outside cornerback in nickel packages, giving the team its best cornerback trio. Rodgers offers a unique blend of speed and athleticism at the position, which could be needed against Atlanta’s playmakers.
Troy Andersen, LB, Falcons
While Nate Landman continues to work his way back to full health, Andersen should receive plenty of snaps at inside linebacker. Andersen adds a rare blend of size, speed, and athleticism to the Falcons defensive front.
Andersen was one of the highest-graded defenders in Atlanta in Week 1, according to Pro Football Focus. He recorded five total tackles, one pressure, and allowed just one reception for seven yards in coverage.
Given his versatility, the Eagles will need to be aware of where Andersen is at all times on Monday night. The Falcons will likely rely on him to help slow down Saquon Barkley and Dallas Goedert.
Jordan Davis, DL, Eagles
After being selected with the No. 13 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Davis has underwhelmed in Philadelphia. Playing an ugly position, Davis has failed to consistently showcase his pass-rushing potential for the Eagles.
That could all change on Monday night, as the interior of Atlanta’s offensive line struggled significantly in Week 1. The Falcons allowed three sacks and 12 total pressures against Pittsburgh to open the regular season.
If Davis struggles to get anything going as a pass rusher on Monday night, that will be a discouraging sign for the 24-year-old. While his ability to eat up blocks in the running game will be important against Bijan Robinson, he needs to disrupt Cousins in the passing game as well.
Drew Dalman, C, Falcons
Dalman allowed just two sacks over the last three seasons combined, according to PFF. In Week 1, he allowed one sack and three total pressures against the Steelers.
He’ll likely be tasked with trying to stop Jalen Carter, Milton Williams, and Davis on Monday night. If Dalman’s struggles from Week 1 carry over into Atlanta’s matchup in Philadelphia, Cousins could be running for his life against the Eagles. With how immobilized the quarterback looked in the opener, that’s a recipe for success for Fangio’s unit.
Kirk Cousins is clearly NOT healthy.
The Falcons were in Pistol/Shotgun on 96% of their snaps Sunday!!
He has a NEW stance in the shotgun & it tells you everything you need to know about his health.
Let me show you @TheFacilityFS1 #RiseUp pic.twitter.com/U3HYTBElPY
— Chase Daniel (@ChaseDaniel) September 11, 2024
Another thing to watch for with Dalman is Atlanta’s cadence. Pittsburgh’s defense was able to get a good jump as the Falcons used a predictable cadence in Week 1. Cousins and Dalman will need to get on the same page and mix things up on Monday night.