Following a sloppy win in Week 1, the Philadelphia Eagles likely want to make a statement against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 2. The Eagles will host the Falcons in Philadelphia for the team’s home opener on Monday night.
Over the past three seasons (including 2024), the Eagles are now 21-2 through their first 11 games, easily the best mark in the NFL.
Here are five matchups to watch during Monday night’s primetime matchup between the Eagles and Falcons.
5 Matchups To Watch in Falcons vs. Eagles
Kirk Cousins vs. Philadelphia’s Pass Rush
There are plenty of theories about what’s going on with Kirk Cousins after Week 1.
It was clear that Cousins wasn’t moving well at all, and Atlanta’s offense was limited due to his lack of mobility.
The Falcons ranked fifth in play-action rate in 2023. They didn’t run a single play-action snap in Week 1 against the Steelers. In fact, that only happened once last season: Saints at Vikings in Week 10.
That was likely due to the Falcons’ offense operating strictly out of the pistol formation and Cousins’ inability to operate from under center.
The Pittsburgh Steelers had their way with Atlanta’s offensive line, as they recorded three sacks and 12 total pressures, according to Pro Football Focus.
Now it’s Philadelphia’s turn to hunt Cousins as he stands still in the pocket.
After totaling 17 pressures against the Green Bay Packers in Week 1, the Eagles could make things difficult for Cousins and Atlanta’s offense on Monday night.
Jalen Hurts vs. Jessie Bates III and Justin Simmons
After an embarrassing end to last season, Jalen Hurts continued to struggle with turnovers in Week 1. He will look to fix those issues against the Falcons, but he must be mindful of Atlanta’s elite safety duo of Jessie Bates II and Justin Simmons.
Both players are considered among the elite ballhawks at the position in the NFL, as they recorded nine total interceptions combined in 2023. Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Brown admitted that the Steelers didn’t throw towards the middle of the field in Week 1 simply to avoid targeting Bates.
Therefore, it’s going to be interesting to see Hurts operate against such a lethal safety duo. The Eagles could lean on Saquon Barkley once again instead of relying on Hurts to pick apart Atlanta’s secondary.
The Falcons struggled to get off the field on third down in Week 1. The Falcons were the third-best third-down defense a season ago (33.8%). They allowed the Steelers to convert 47.1% last week.
Quinyon Mitchell vs. Drake London
Quinyon Mitchell lived up to the hype in Week 1, as Philadelphia’s talented rookie cornerback enjoyed a strong performance against a talented Packers wide receiver group. Now he’ll be put to the test against Drake London and the Falcons in Week 2.
London had an underwhelming performance against the Steelers, hauling in just two receptions on three targets for 15 yards.
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Mitchell held his own against Christian Watson last week, another big-bodied WR similar to London’s build.
It will be interesting to see if Mitchell spends time in the slot, given that the Falcons will use London in there at times. In Week 1, London played nine snaps in the slot and hauled in his only target for eight yards, according to TruMedia.
A.J. Brown vs. A.J. Terrell
The battle between A.J. Brown and A.J. Terrell is going to be must-see TV on Monday night. Both players received massive contract extensions this offseason and now they’ll likely go toe-to-toe for a majority of snaps in Week 2.
While Brown enjoyed a dominant performance against the Packers, Terrell struggled against the Steelers. Terrell allowed three receptions on three targets for 61 yards. Terrell was also credited with missing two tackles, according to PFF.
If Terrell continues to struggle in coverage and can’t bring Brown down after the catch, Philadelphia’s WR1 could be in line for a huge performance on Monday night.
It’ll surely be interesting to see who wins the A.J. battle in Week 2.
Zack Baun vs. Bijan Robinson
After receiving a frustratingly inconsistent workload during his rookie season in Atlanta, Bijan Robinson received 23 total touches for the Falcons in Week 1. While the Steelers contained Robinson on the ground, he showcased his versatility with five receptions for 43 yards.
Zack Baun enjoyed a dominant debut for the Eagles against the Packers, as he recorded 15 total tackles and two sacks. He also showcased his potential in coverage, as he helped force an interception by Reed Blankenship.
Robinson and Baun could go toe-to-toe several times in Week 2. Baun was used as a pass rusher several times in Week 1, and Robinson could be tasked with blocking him. While Baun will likely be matched up against Robinson in coverage as well.
The battle between Atlanta’s workhorse running back and Philadelphia’s top linebacker could very well decide which team wins on Monday night.