Atlanta Falcons: 3 Players that must shine vs. Eagles in Week 2

Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images
Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images /
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Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images
Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images /

3. Falcons offensive line

Although this isn’t specifically included an individual player, one of the big keys for the Atlanta Falcons in their game against the Philadelphia Eagles this Sunday in Atlanta will be the play of their offensive line.

In the regular-season opener in Minnesota a week ago, where the Falcons opened the year up with a loss to the Vikings, the offensive line group for Atlanta struggled against a tough Minnesota defense and defensive line on the other side of the line of scrimmage.

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In the loss to the Vikings, the Falcons’ offensive line allowed their veteran quarterback Matt Ryan get sacked a total of four times for a total yard lossage of 32 yards against Minnesota.

Along with those four sacks, that also resulted in Ryan being rushed on numerous plays, which could have played a part in him completing just 33 of his 46 total pass attempts while also throwing for two interceptions in the contest.

During its Week 2 matchup against Philadelphia this week, Atlanta will face off against yet another tough defensive unit and strong defensive line on the other side of the ball and within the Eagles’ defensive unit.

Although Philadelphia’s defense didn’t necessarily shine during its Week 1 victory over Washington last Sunday, it did enough to help the Eagles take down the Redskins to kick off the regular-season schedule.

In last week’s contest, the Eagles were able to get to Washington quarterback Case Keenum just one time, sacking him for a 10-yard loss in the game. On Sunday, they will have their eyes on Ryan.

It will be important for this Falcons offensive line to step up and have a good performance this week against the Eagles if Atlanta wants to grab its first win of the 2019 season in its home opener.