Eagles flashbacks: Michael Vick returns to Atlanta as Philly shreds the Falcons
The opening NFL weekend brought an exciting win in Brazil. Now, the Philadelphia Eagles return to Lincoln Financial Field to face the Atlanta Falcons on Monday Night Football.
These two teams have met 37 times in their history. The guys from Philly have won 21 of those meetings. Philly also has won four of the last five games versus the Falcons. Let's hope the Eagles keep the winning trend going.
This one brings back memories, Let's look back at a memorable matchup between these two. This one features Michael Vick, someone Philly and Atlanta know well.
Eagles vs Falcons - December 6, 2009
Let's just say this one had a backstory. This one marked Vick's first game in Atlanta as an opponent. He had traded Falcons Red for Eagles Green. The result? Philly would take this one by a 34-7 final score.
Philadelphia would strike first. They marched 44 yards in nine plays during their first drive offensive drive. David Akers hit a 33-yard field goal to give his team a 3-0 lead with 9:36 remaining in the first quarter.
The Eagles got the ball back quickly. Their special teams unit made its impression felt. Eric Weems would return the ball on a kickoff, but Philly's Eldra Buckley would knock the ball loose.
Philadelphia's offense didn't waste the short field given to them. A four-play drive ended with Donovan McNabb finding Leonard Weaver for a four-yard touchdown to extend the lead to 10-0 to close the opening quarter.
David Akers' great day continued. He'd extend the lead to 13-0 to close the first half with a 13-0 lead. Vick saw some action during the second half.
Philly opened the third quarter with a long six-minute, 52-second 80-yard drive that ended with Michael Vick rushing five yards for a touchdown. The defense was pitching a shutout at the time and earned back-to-back interceptions, including a Sheldon Brown 83-yard pick-six.
Sean Jones snagged the other interception. That set the Birds up at Atlanta's 45-yard line in the fourth quarter. Philly did not waste the turnover, as Michael Vick did a little of everything on this drive by hitting Reggie Brown for a 43-yard reception, running the ball, and finding Brent Celeck for the five-yard score to extend the Birds' advantage to 34-0.
The Falcons ended this one with a garbage touchdown. Chris Redman and Roddy White combined for a TD to close this one with a 34-7 final score.
Eagles versus Falcons Stat Line
Donovan McNabb wasn't the headliner of this matchup, but the Birds starting quarterback put in decent numbers. He completed 14 of his 25 passes and threw for 238 yards with one touchdown.
Michael Vick made something of his limited touches as he completed two passes for 48 yards with one touchdown. He also carried the ball four times for 17 yards with one touchdown.
Philly running back Leonard Weaver had a day. He caught two pass attempts for 63 yards. He also scored a touchdown.
Jeremy Maclin didn't score on this day, but he was important to the offense. He snagged four receptions for 83 yards.
The Birds' defense allowed 235 passing yards by quarterback Chris Redman but also picked him off twice while registering two sacks.
Credit Darren Howard and Juqua Parker for getting Redman on the ground.