The Philadelphia Eagles and Atlanta Falcons both began their 2019 season against teams which failed to miss the playoffs last year. Nonetheless, only the Eagles were able to come out of Week 1 with a win.
The Eagles took on the Washington Redskins in an NFC East showdown to kick off their season. At the start of the game, it seemed as if Washington was ready to make a statement by upsetting their divisional foes.
The Redskins led the Eagles by the score of 20-7 at halftime but their lead continued to dwindle in the second half. Carson Wentz and company were able to make their way back into the game; a 53-yard strike to DeSean Jackson gave them the lead in the third quarter.
From that play on, Philadelphia was able to hold a lead and won, 32-27.
As for the Falcons, the outcome of their game didn't go according to plan.
Coming into Week 1, there were some people expecting Atlanta to be in a shootout with the high-powered offense of the Minnesota Vikings. On the contrary, the Falcons' offense was abysmal and the Vikings won 28-12 despite Kirk Cousins attempting just 10 passes.
Now, both Philadelphia and Atlanta will have a battle of the birds in Week 2. Here are four bold predictions in Eagles-Falcons.
4. Eagles Sack Matt Ryan Six Times
Over the offseason, the Falcons took it upon themselves to improve their offensive line. Among their moves, they drafted Chris Lindstrom and Kaleb McGary with their first two draft picks.
Additionally, they also signed veteran James Carpenter to keep Matt Ryan upright in the pocket. Despite all of the players they added, their offensive line looked lackluster in Week 1 against the Vikings.
On Sunday, Atlanta allowed four sacks on Ryan. This week it will give up another six sacks. The Eagles were able to get just one sack on Case Keenum in Week 1, but they will be motivated in Week 2.
3. Ryan Throws for 450 Yards
Last season, the Eagles had the third-worst pass defense due to injuries they sustained throughout the year. In Week 1, their struggles continued in their secondary with the Redskins carving up their defense through the air.
This past week, Keenum threw for 380 yards and three touchdowns against the Eagles. Keenum is a decent quarterback, but to allow him to throw for nearly 400 yards is a cause for concern for Philadelphia fans.
The Eagles' decimated secondary will try to bounce back from Week 1. After Keenum threw for 380 yards in Week 1, it's not crazy to believe that a more-talented quarterback, Ryan, will be able to reach 450 yards in this game.
2. Julio Jones Will Go For 200 Yards, Two Touchdowns
Going off the last bold prediction, the Falcons are going to be able to throw the ball with more success than they had against the stingy Vikings' defense. One player who is smiling at his matchup is Julio Jones, after seeing what the Redskins were able to do to the Eagles.
Jones had a rough start to his season with six receptions for 31 yards and a touchdown last week. In Week 2, expect him to have one of his signature games to help the Falcons avoid a dreaded 0-2 start to the season.
The Falcons' receiver is one of the NFL's best. He will be able to garner over 200 yards. However, the boldest part of this prediction may be the two touchdowns he scores.
1. Eagles 41, Falcons 31
Unlike Falcons-Vikings, this game will become a shootout. Both defenses are mediocre and both teams boast plenty of firepower on offense.
Thus, Wentz and Ryan should have no trouble going back and forth for the majority of this game. The Eagles will take the lead in the second half and claim a 41-31 victory.
In Week 1, Philadelphia showed the connection between Wentz and Jackson with two deep touchdown passes between the two. The duo of Jackson and Wentz, along with Alshon Jeffery and Zach Ertz, will prove to be too much for Atlanta's defense.
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