Eagles who need to thrive in Week 2 vs. the Atlanta Falcons

One week at a time... That's the approach we're taking. You begin to appreciate things more as you get older. We wait all year for September and the next Philadelphia Eagles season annually. Then, before you know it, we're in January wondering where the time went.

Just take the past seven days for instance. As quickly as Week 1 of the NFL season came, it evaporated just as swiftyly. We're trying not to think about that so that we might enjoy each step of the season's process.

Now, look... Next up is another prime-time game. Fingers are crossed that Philly cleans up the issues that reared their ugly heads in Brazil. We're placing our money on another win. We're also hoping several Eagles enjoy their breakout performance.

Here are five Eagles we'd like to see thrive in Week 2 on Monday Night Football.

ESPN... Jason Kelce is part of the pregame! Hopefully, he's hired a stylist. But, what's most important is Philly's date with Atlanta.

We most certainly wouldn't complain if the guys on this list play out of their minds to help spearhead an Eagles victory.

Nolan Smith and Bryce Huff, EDGE

Here sits two young men the Eagles have invested heavy resources into adding. Nolan Smith is a 2023 first-round draft choice. Bryce Huff is a former UDFA who worked his way into a small fortune.

Both are asked to be leaders of this Eagles pass rush rotation. Neither had a sack in Week 1. It would be nice if these guys could rattle Kirk Cousins in Week 2 to keep him from getting comfortable.

Nakobe Dean, linebacker

Nakobe Dean dropped a sure pick-six in Week 1 and got caught peeking in the Packers' backfield once or twice, but overall, he passed the eyeball test. That's comforting for Birds fans.

PFF dug a little deeper. They were less impressed, giving him a grade of 29.3. That includes run, pass rush, and coverage grades of 34.6, 50.2, and 40.2 respectively. He's credited with making four tackles and missing one, but as Philly's best linebacker, we need a good game from him on MNF.

Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter, defensive interior

The business model in Philly has long been to build the defense and offense beginning in the trenches. These two were both round-one selections. Let's hope for monstrous performances.

Avonte Maddox, cornerback

Philly has given Avonte Maddox loads of responsibilities in this Eagles defense. He's their most experienced slot corner, and it appears he's a backup safety.

In Week 1, he was too often a liability in coverage. He was targeted five times and gave up three receptions. He allowed a passer rating of 116.7 and ten yards per reception.

Those types of performances can't continue, but here's another test, the Falcons' skill players. We know Avonte can be serviceable because we have seen it, but if Ray-Ray McCloud, Drake London, and Darnell Mooney line up in the slot, he'll certainly be tested.

Jalen Hurts, QB1

Jalen Hurts endured one of his worst games in terms of protecting the football, and in the end, Philly won anyway. The Eagles dropped him back 39 times, and as you know he threw two interceptions.

With all of this offensive talent the Falcons have, it would seem they wouldn't need any help scoring. Philly's offense can't provide the extra opportunities, so we'll need QB1 to be judicious with the football.