Eagles Get Past Falcons in Slugfest

Atlanta Falcons 

vs. 

Philadelphia Eagles

Philadelphia Eagles 18, Atlanta Falcons 12  - It was another tough, physical, mostly defensive contest between the defending Super Bowl champion Eagles, and the Atlanta Falcons last night, to open up the new NFL season. 

Much like their playoff meeting just about seven months or so ago, neither team scored many points, even though both teams have offenses that were known to be potentially explosive at times. 

But much like last year, it seemed that it came down to missed opportunities for Atlanta. They marched down the field early, and made it right to the edge of the end zone, before the Eagles defense stepped up and had a goal line stand. The Falcons gambled and tried to pound it in on fourth down, but fell short. 

Matt Ryan completed 21 of 43 pass attempts for 251 yards. He had one interception. Julio Jones had another incredible night, as he reeled in 10 of those passes for 169 yards.

Starting in place of injured Carson Wentz, Nick Foles did not look like the brilliant quarterback who led his team to the Super Bowl title earlier this year, but he nevertheless did just enough to help his team win. He completed 19 of 34 for 117 yards, with one interception. However, there was one particularly memorable highlight in the third quarter, as Foles once again caught a pass on a trick play. Nelson Agholor wound up completing a 15-yard pass to Foles, on a play that was a bit reminiscent of that very memorable touchdown pass that Foles caught in the Super Bowl, and which probably was the most famous single play from that game. This one gave Philadelphia a good chunk of yards, but it did not go for a touchdown. Still, the crowd clearly enjoyed it, and went nuts at the memories it evoked.

The Falcons offense was not particularly effective last night, but their passing game was better than it was for the Eagles, while Philly's running game was stronger than Atlanta's managed to be. But it was a strong defensive game for both teams, and a solid win to start their title defense for the Eagles.