What I Liked
There’s not a lot to hate about a back-yard brawl, and that’s what the fans got tonight. The Eagles and the Falcons had a lot to play for in terms of past versus present. The Eagles have been dubbed the “Dream Team,” but tonight belonged to Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons.
The Falcons had to deal with an emotionally charged atmosphere with the return of Michael Vick, and they weathered the storm. The best part from the Falcons’ perspective was Matt Ryans’ ability to navigate what many consider to be one of the best defenses in the NFL.
What I Didn’t Like
The Eagles had no business allowing 35 points. Yes, the Falcons have a good offense, but the Eagles have been dubbed the NFL’s version of a “dream team,” and they didn’t deliver. Matt Ryan didn’t exactly throw all over the Eagles’ defense, but anytime a guy throws for 4 touchdowns, you’re not putting yourself in a good place.
On the other side of the coin, the Eagles didn’t defend the run well. The Falcons were able to run a very balanced offensive attack, even as they trailed through the middle portion of the second half. The Eagles are a great defense, but they didn’t show it tonight.
The Biggest Factor
The Falcons knocked Vick out of the game in the second half of the game, and that put the Eagles into the position of playing Mike Kafka. They faced the problem of whether or not to allow Kafka to open up the offense. If they had, they might have been able to pull out the game, but they decided to play it conservative. That choice let the Falcons back in the game. It was a rough position to be put in, and you can not replace Michael Vick. The lack of offensive production ultimately bit the Eagles in the butt. They found themselves in a shootout with no ammunition late.
Where Do They Go From Here
In the short run, the Eagles are only worried about Vick and his health, but let’s consider the long run. The Falcons got on track with a win, keeping pace with the Saints. The Eagles are also in a very competitive division. I expect both of these teams to be fine, and I’d really like to see a re-match of this game in the playoffs. It already had that kind of feel to it, and this type of game is what football is all about.
