Atlanta Falcons Week 2 Recap
Photo Credit: The Falcoholic
After a disappointing week 1 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Atlanta Falcons bounced back in a major way with an exciting, down to the wire victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. The Monday Night Football matchup saw 6 lead changes throughout the duration of a game that was truly not decided until the final whistle, where Atlanta was able to shut down a last-chance scoring opportunity for the Eagles and pull off the upset victory, 22-21.
Photo Credit: The Falcoholic
Many fans were skeptical of the Falcons offense heading into the game, with the unit looking less than stellar against the Steelers in week 1. While certain areas of the offense still lagged behind the optimistic pre-season expectations, this showing was a vast improvement. Second-year running back Bijan Robinson looked dominant, carrying the ball 14 times for 97 yards for an excellent 6.7 yards per attempt, also adding 4 catches for an additional 25 yards as a receiver. After spending a top ten pick on Robinson in the 2023 NFL draft, this is the type of production that fans expect out of the former Texas Longhorns star. The passing game also took a major step up in week 2 as Kirk Cousins looked to be more comfortable in the Falcons offense. Former top 10 pick Drake London as well as recent offseason free agency acquisition Darnell Mooney both played well, with several key, late-game catches that resulted in the thrilling win for the Falcons.
Photo Credit: Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons defense also looked to take a major step up in week 2, as the Eagles passing attack was largely kept at bay, and star running back Saquon Barkley was kept out of the endzone. The numerous off-season moves made by the Falcons looked to be coming together, with the safety combination of Jessie Bates and Justin Simmons keeping the middle of the field a largely untargeted zone, along with recent trade acquisition Matthew Judon registering a key sack in the second half to force an Eagles punt. The real cherry on top from the defense though, was the last second hit by Kaden Elliss on Jalen Hurts while throwing the ball that led to Jessie Bates intercepting his errant throw.
With a tough stretch of their season’s schedule including the Chiefs, Saints, and Buccaneers coming up fast, Falcons fans can feel confident in the direction the team is headed in following this win against one of the league’s top teams.
