The Philadelphia Eagles were stunned by the Atlanta Falcons, losing by a final score of 22-21 in the closing seconds of the team’s home opener.
Monday night’s game in the City of Brotherly Love was an absolute rollercoaster for the Eagles, including both exciting highlights and confusing blunders.
Let’s examine which players impacted their stock the most for the Eagles in Week 2.
Which Eagles Impacted Their Stock in Week 2?
Stock Up | Jalen Hurts
Jalen Hurts stepped up under the bright lights of Monday Night Football against the Falcons.
Many wondered if Hurts and Philadelphia’s offense would be successful without star wide receiver A.J. Brown. Despite missing his favorite target, Hurts put the Eagles on his back and nearly led the team to victory.
Hurts got things started with his legs, as he joined Lamar Jackson and Jayden Daniels as the only quarterbacks to rush for 50 or more yards in the first half of a game this season, according to TruMedia.
RUN ON 'EM, JALEN! pic.twitter.com/UvmkzBFDcy
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) September 17, 2024
Hurts finished the game with 13 carries for 85 rushing yards, topped off with a classic “Tush Push” touchdown. He was also efficient as a passer despite Brown’s absence. Hurts completed 76.6% of his passes for 183 yards and one touchdown.
In the end, Hurts put together a performance that reminded many of his near-MVP campaign in 2022. But it wasn’t enough to secure a victory, as a late interception ended the team’s comeback attempt in Week 2.
Stock Down | Philadelphia’s Defensive Front
Philadelphia’s defensive front was gouged by the Green Bay Packers in Week 1, as the defense allowed 163 rushing yards on just 21 total carries. The Eagles allowed 7.8 yards per carry, which was easily the worst mark in the NFL after Week 1.
While many attributed Philadelphia’s defensive struggles to the playing surface in Brazil, their poor play continued in Week 2 against the Falcons. The Eagles were gashed on the ground once again, allowing Atlanta to rush for 152 yards on just 28 carries.
The Eagles couldn’t disrupt Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins either, as Philadelphia sacked him just one time on Monday night. Given Atlanta’s offensive line struggles against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 1, this was a discouraging performance by Philadelphia’s defensive front.
Stock Up | DeVonta Smith
Given the absence of Brown, many expected DeVonta Smith to step up for the Eagles in Week 2.
That’s exactly what he did, as he hauled in seven receptions for 76 yards and one touchdown.
6 for 6 special‼️@DeVontaSmith_6 | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/uwHcCNLdm6
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) September 17, 2024
While many will criticize Smith for having another potential touchdown being knocked out of his hands by Falcons safety Jessie Bates III, that wasn’t entirely on him. Smith was open earlier in the play, and Hurts delivered the ball a bit later than he should have.
Stock Down | Mekhi Becton
After an impressive debut at right guard in Week 1, Mekhi Becton took a step back against the Falcons. He struggled alongside Lane Johnson as the duo couldn’t handle Atlanta’s stunts and twists along the defensive front.
On several plays, Becton appeared lost and a step too slow in pass protection. While he certainly played well overall through his first two games at a new position, he did experience some growing pains in Week 2.
Stock Up | Thomas Booker IV
On a night when Philadelphia’s defensive front was manhandled by the Falcons, Eagles defensive tackle Thomas Booker IV was one of the only bright spots.
Booker surprised many when he made the team’s final roster, but he proved that he belonged in Week 2.
Booker showcased his relentless motor, which wasn’t exactly the case with Jordan Davis or Jalen Carter against the Falcons.
If Philadelphia’s starting defensive line continues to struggle, Booker has certainly earned an uptick in snaps moving forward.
Stock Down | Jahan Dotson
Unlike Smith, Jahan Dotson failed to step up in Week 2 in Brown’s absence. The Eagles traded a third-round pick for Dotson ahead of the regular season and he has failed to live up to his price tag.
Through two games in Philadelphia, Dotson has recorded just one reception for 6 yards on two targets. Dotson was outperformed by former undrafted free agent Britain Covey, who hauled in six receptions against the Falcons.
Considering that Brown is expected to miss multiple games, the Eagles will certainly need more from Dotson moving forward. Week 2 was a perfect opportunity for Dotson to shine for the Eagles, yet he remained in the shadows.