Philadelphia Eagles: 3 Bold predictions for Week 1 vs. Falcons

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 13: Wide receiver Julio Jones #11 of the Atlanta Falcons attempts to make a catch against cornerback Ronald Darby #41 of the Philadelphia Eagles during the fourth quarter in the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 13, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

2. The Defense Will Show Up Big

If Nick Foles is going to struggle it will be up to Eagles Defense to keep them in this game, and that’s exactly what they’ll do. Matt Ryan, Julio Jones and the Falcons offense are going to be in for a long night against this fired-up defense.

One of the only teams that fared worse than the Eagles in the preseason were the Falcons. They finished 0-4, and the first team offense struggled for only one touchdown during their time on the field. They went from a Super Bowl appearance in 2016 to a second round playoff loss in 2017. The window for Atlanta is definitely closing, if not already closed.

Don’t expect the Falcons offense just to wake up all of a sudden Thursday night at Lincoln Financial Field. With the addition of Michael Bennett, to an already stellar defensive line, expect to see Matt Ryan on the ground early and often. The secondary will have a tough time dealing with Julio Jones, but with the Eagles front seven making waves it will be hard for Jones to get the touches he needs to make an impact.

With the home Philly crowd rocking and celebrating a Super Bowl championship it will give the defense the fire and fight needed to shut down the Falcons offense.

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