It didn’t take long to see that this game was going to come down to which team had the ball last. The Atlanta Falcons have played the Philadelphia Eagles each of the last five years and were 1-4 during those years. But the old cliche continues, “ Different season, different team.” But it’s true!!!!
I thought the Falcons were in trouble when word came down that punter Matt Bosher tweaked his groin during warmups. Now the Falcons have an injured punter and place kicker Matt Bryant will have to do kickoffs. Emergency punter would be WR Mohammad Sanu, who also plays QB. Place kicker Bryant did handle the kickoffs, but Bosher did punt, but it showed he was hurting. Sanu never did have to handle any kicks.
So on to the game. I don’t recall any game in the past that I saw so many hard hits on the defensive side of the ball. Hits from DL Grady Jarrett’s sack on Eagles QB Carson Wentz, to tackles by safeties Ricardo Allen And Keanu Neal numerous times. I also don’t recall a game this past five years where the game was a blowout, these games have been back and forth, and this game was no different.
Falcons went ahead 3-0 on Bryant’s field goal, then 10-3 on QB Matt Ryan’s deep ball to WR Calvin Ridley for the first TD of the game. But the play of the game was with 2:10 left in the game and the Falcons down 17-20 and 4th and 3. If the Falcons didn’t convert, ballgame. But a bubble screen pass from Ryan to WR Julio Jones. Jones then turns on the jets and takes it to the house for the go ahead score to make it 24-20 after the point after attempt. Ballgame!!! But if it wasn’t for key blocks by left tackle Jake Matthews and Sanu, Jones wouldn’t been able to spring free for the TD. Maybe Jones didn’t see Matthews, but in the post game interview, only gave credit to Sanu. I hope he just misspoke and didn’t see Matthews because Matthews was the key block.
My pros for the game were the key blocks by Sanu and Matthews as well as the hard hits all around by the defense. Also, the good hands of Ridley and Jones for the Falcons key touchdowns. My cons were though Ryan threw three TD‘s for 320 yards, he also threw three costly interceptions where the Falcons were close to scoring. In two games in this early 2019 campaign, Ryan has 5 TD’s and also 5 interceptions. Needs to clean up his decision making especially in the redzone. The running game needs to get back on track. Running back Devonta Freeman is still not up to par this year after an injury plagued 2018 season where concussions and knee injuries shortened his season last year. Running back Ito Smith had some key runs and needs to get the ball more.
I am very happy with this win as it pulls the Falcon even with a 1-1 record. Having a 1-1 record to start the season is way better than starting out 0-2. This upcoming Sunday the Falcons travel to Indianapolis to play the Colts, 1:00pm start time.
Kirkley's Sports Korner 