Flashback Friday: The Philadelphia Eagles defense shocks the Atlanta Falcons
The divisional round of the playoffs saw two powerhouse-offenses going head to head. The Philadelphia Eagles and the Atlanta Falcons.
The Philadelphia Eagles finished the regular season 13-3, but when the playoffs roll around, no one cares about what you did in the past. It’s all about what you do in January (and hopefully February). For the Eagles, their determination would be tested early by what they could do against the Atlanta Falcons in the divisional round of the playoffs.
The Falcons had just fought and clawed their way to a win against the Los Angeles Rams in the Wild Card match-up. ‘The Birds’ were coming off of a bye.
The last time the two teams faced each other, it was Philly who ended up on top.
Would this game result in the same outcome? Well, the odds certainly weren’t in Philly’s favor. In fact, this was the first time in league history that a number-one seed was the underdogs to a number six seed.
That didn’t deter the Eagles. They defeated the Falcons in typical Philly fashion, in a nail-biting, defensive battle.
Nick Foles was near flawless.
While Eagles quarterback Nick Foles didn’t record any passing touchdowns, he put on a solid performance. He went 23 for 30 on the night, and racked up 246 yards.
Foles led Philly’s offense down the field on multiple drives, and the Eagles offense put up a touchdown and three field goals.
Defense, defense, and more defense.
Philly’s defense was lights out. They only allowed ten points to one of the NFL‘s top offensive units. While they didn’t force any fumbles or interceptions, they did force the Falcons to punt on almost every drive.
Their biggest defensive stand came at the end of the fourth quarter when they forced a turnover on downs. They, then, delivered a huge blow to Atlanta when they sealed their victory with a goal-line stand.
Leading 15-10, and with minimal time left in the game, the Eagles’ defense forced Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan to throw an incomplete pass to his leading receiver Julio Jones. The ball sailed through Jones’ hands, and Philly fans breathed a sigh of relief.
The Eagles were able to run the clock out on the ensuing drive.
The Philadelphia Eagles advance to the NFC Championship.
The 15-10 victory over the Atlanta Falcons was Philly’s first playoff win since 2008. It would also be the first time since 2008 that they advanced to a NFC Championship Game.
The Eagles only needed two more wins to make them Super Bowl champions and forever engrave their names on the Lombardi Trophy.
Take a look at the highlights.
Video courtesy of the NFL’s YouTube page
Here are the stat leaders.
Philadelphia
Passing: Nick Foles (QB): 23-30, 246 YDS
Rushing: Jay Ajayi (RB): 15 CAR, 54 YDS
Receiving: Alshon Jeffery (WR): 4 REC, 61 YDS
Atlanta
Passing: Matt Ryan (QB): 22-36, 210 YDS, 1 TD
Rushing: Tevin Coleman (RB): 10 CAR, 79 YDS
Receiving: Julio Jones (WR): 9 REC, 101 YDS