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Atlanta Falcons: 3 Key players to beating Eagles in Divisional Round

By Derek Snyder

PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 13: Keanu Neal #22 of the Atlanta Falcons breaks up a pass intended for Jordan Matthews #81 of the Philadelphia Eagles in the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on November 13, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles defeated the Falcons 24-15. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 13: Keanu Neal #22 of the Atlanta Falcons breaks up a pass intended for Jordan Matthews #81 of the Philadelphia Eagles in the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on November 13, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles defeated the Falcons 24-15. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 06: Quarterback Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons calls a play at the line during the first quarter of the NFC Wild Card Playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Coliseum on January 6, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 06: Quarterback Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons calls a play at the line during the first quarter of the NFC Wild Card Playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Coliseum on January 6, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

3. Ben Garland

One of the biggest X-factors this weekend for Atlanta is Ben Garland, who’ll be playing for the injured Andy Levitre another weekend. Garland has been filling in for the Falcons offensive line injuries over the course of the season, but this game against Philadelphia will definitely be his biggest test of 2017.

More from Atlanta Falcons

It’s no secret that the Eagles have one of the most dangerous defensive fronts in the league, but the fact these two squads are meeting up in the NFC Playoffs makes them even more scary. Not only could they shut down the Falcons offense this Saturday afternoon, but Philly’s front could end Atlanta’s season.

We know that the Falcons will struggle to run the football against the Eagles, but Garland has to make sure he’s keeping Matt Ryan clean. It’s one thing to allow a few pressures here and there, but it’s another ballgame to let Brandon Graham and Fletcher Cox have free reign at the NFL’s reigning MVP.

For Atlanta to win this game, Ryan will have to make some though throws to keep the chains moving, but he can only do that if his offensive line gives him enough time. I feel good about the team’s other four starters, but it’s Garland who can make the biggest difference, one way or another.

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