Eagles vs. Falcons Game Predictions: ITI Staff Edition
Aug 29, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Sam Bradford (7) warms up before game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
With so much change and so many storylines, the team and fans alike are chomping at the bit to get started, which finally happens Monday night in Atlanta. On paper, this feels like a very favorable matchup, but at just a 3-point line (which hovered for the longest time at one), Vegas must be employing the “If It Seems Too Good To Be True, Then It Probably Is” mantra. Or maybe they dug deep into peripheral stats and found some stuff on Monday night home openers. Either way, I’m not fazed.
There should be little concern over whether the Eagles can move the ball against a middling Falcons’ defense. The likely absence of tight end Zach Ertz may be a minor bump in the road–especially in the red zone–but there are still plenty of weapons to use. In fact, look for Darren Sproles take up some of that real estate in the middle of the field to keep Atlanta’s linebackers on their toes.
The biggest challenge, however, will lay on the Birds’ revamped secondary, who will be facing one of the league’s most dominant wide receiver tandems in Julio Jones and Roddy White. And considering Atlanta’s unproven running game, the football should get its share of frequent flier miles out of Matt Ryan’s hand. Again, though, I’m not fazed.
Final Score Prediction: Eagles 37, Falcons 24
Game MVP: Sam Bradford. With a chip on his shoulder and a Chip on the sidelines, Sam’s got plenty of motivation to perform in his first regular season appearance in two years. Over 300 yards passing and at least a couple touchdowns is very doable.
Next: Pat Roach