Here are my top 5 reasons the Falcons will win this Sunday

[dirtybirdman]

1. Though the Eagles run D rank 9th in the NFL allowing 91.5 yards per game, the last 2 games they allowed 203 and 131 to the 'Skins and 49ers(3rd and 21st rush offense in league), respectively. I think the Falcons (2nd in NFL rushing offense) will keep the trend going with the tune of at least 150 yards rushing.

2. Matt Ryan. The Eagles may get to him a few times and maybe force a turnover, but facing the Tampa Bay defense earlier in the season, notably playing better in the second half after one half of adjusting, it will probably take no more than 1 quarter for him to figure them out. Looking at reason #1, the game should not be out of hand after 1 quarter.

3. No huddle offense. Even though the Eagles are coming off a bye, so are the Falcons. They will look to implement more no huddle in the offense which is more effective against blitz heavy teams. The Falcons should be able to matriculate the ball down field, and if it means dinking and dunking with an occasional deep ball, so be it. The Falcons rank 3rd in the NFL with only 5 giveaways through six games, so they should be able to sustain drives playing this way.

4. Trick plays. Look for more of the wildcat formation with Norwood and pull off a couple of big plays via that and a reverse or two from the WRs, keeping an aggressive defense on their heels with some misdirection.

5. Special teams. Like last game against the Bears, McNabb will have their way in their passing offense against the porous Falcons passing defense. Gaining Curtis back, however, may disrupt the chemistry (look at Colston for the Saints against Carolina). Both teams have trouble scoring TD's in the red zone (both less than 50% TD pct.), which means this game may come down to the kicking game. David Akers, usually reliable, is uncharacteristically 76.5% kicking this year, while Elam is 94.1%(16-17) with a game winner last week. I see a lot of similarities in last week's game with a big kickoff return from Norwood and the Falcons running the ball better against a softer team and Elam kicking a game winner in a clean, well-played game (Falcons and Eagles 11th and 3rd in penalties, respectively).

Falcons 27

Eagles 24

[Ryan2RoddyTD]

5 reasons the Falcons will win sunday

Matt Ryan

Michael Turner

Jerious Norwood

Roddy White

Abe

[xXFlashFalconXx]

I like it... Your points sound really well thought out... I'll take a 27-24 win in Philly any day of the week... Go FALCONS!!!

[falcon claw]

If its a close game , i like our chances. Our defense gives up alot of yards but not points, we are 9th "i think" on points given up. I think we can run on these guys too.

[octoslash]

VIVA HANK STRAM!

[pick-ups]

The Eagles defense and Tampas are very similar but the Eagles offense is much better than Tampas.

Eagles 31

Falcons 13

[McMVP]

1. Though the Eagles run D rank 9th in the NFL allowing 91.5 yards per game, the last 2 games they allowed 203 and 131 to the 'Skins and 49ers(3rd and 21st rush offense in league), respectively. I think the Falcons (2nd in NFL rushing offense) will keep the trend going with the tune of at least 150 yards rushing.

2. Matt Ryan. The Eagles may get to him a few times and maybe force a turnover, but facing the Tampa Bay defense earlier in the season, notably playing better in the second half after one half of adjusting, it will probably take no more than 1 quarter for him to figure them out. Looking at reason #1, the game should not be out of hand after 1 quarter.

3. No huddle offense. Even though the Eagles are coming off a bye, so are the Falcons. They will look to implement more no huddle in the offense which is more effective against blitz heavy teams. The Falcons should be able to matriculate the ball down field, and if it means dinking and dunking with an occasional deep ball, so be it. The Falcons rank 3rd in the NFL with only 5 giveaways through six games, so they should be able to sustain drives playing this way.

4. Trick plays. Look for more of the wildcat formation with Norwood and pull off a couple of big plays via that and a reverse or two from the WRs, keeping an aggressive defense on their heels with some misdirection.

5. Special teams. Like last game against the Bears, McNabb will have their way in their passing offense against the porous Falcons passing defense. Gaining Curtis back, however, may disrupt the chemistry (look at Colston for the Saints against Carolina). Both teams have trouble scoring TD's in the red zone (both less than 50% TD pct.), which means this game may come down to the kicking game. David Akers, usually reliable, is uncharacteristically 76.5% kicking this year, while Elam is 94.1%(16-17) with a game winner last week. I see a lot of similarities in last week's game with a big kickoff return from Norwood and the Falcons running the ball better against a softer team and Elam kicking a game winner in a clean, well-played game (Falcons and Eagles 11th and 3rd in penalties, respectively).

Falcons 27

Eagles 24

Some good points - some I disagree with. Ryan has been impressive - but he won't see all the Eagles have to bring on D in just one quarter of play.

I do expect the Falcons to use the Wildcat formation a few times - we'll see how that plays out. Could be good for Atlanta.

The running D for the Eagles is the big question mark in my mind. I've seen them be dominant - and vice versa (as you mention). If they respect Ryan too much (yes I said too much - he is a rook after all), then I can see them slipping in run D again. If they trust their scheme to stop the run and confuse Ryan (not necessarliy blitz) - then I think they can put a stopper in the Falcon Run O.

[blackredfellow]

I do expect the Falcons to use the Wildcat formation a few times - we'll see how that plays out. Could be good for Atlanta.

You mean the Dirty Bird formation?

[McMVP]

You mean the Dirty Bird formation?

Whatever you want to call it

[edZep]

You mean the Dirty Bird formation?

I thought it was "The Southern Bird"

[Hotlanta84]

matt ryan will bring the dirtybird back to the ATL, matter offact he'll bring it to illy this weekend

[BW79]

I like it... Your points sound really well thought out... I'll take a 27-24 win in Philly any day of the week... Go FALCONS!!!

Sounds good to me too! Go Falcons!

[dirtybirdman]

1. Though the Eagles run D rank 9th in the NFL allowing 91.5 yards per game, the last 2 games they allowed 203 and 131 to the 'Skins and 49ers(3rd and 21st rush offense in league), respectively. I think the Falcons (2nd in NFL rushing offense) will keep the trend going with the tune of at least 150 yards rushing.

2. Matt Ryan. The Eagles may get to him a few times and maybe force a turnover, but facing the Tampa Bay defense earlier in the season, notably playing better in the second half after one half of adjusting, it will probably take no more than 1 quarter for him to figure them out. Looking at reason #1, the game should not be out of hand after 1 quarter.

3. No huddle offense. Even though the Eagles are coming off a bye, so are the Falcons. They will look to implement more no huddle in the offense which is more effective against blitz heavy teams. The Falcons should be able to matriculate the ball down field, and if it means dinking and dunking with an occasional deep ball, so be it. The Falcons rank 3rd in the NFL with only 5 giveaways through six games, so they should be able to sustain drives playing this way.

4. Trick plays. Look for more of the "Dirty Bird" formation with Norwood and pull off a couple of big plays via that and a reverse or two from the WRs, keeping an aggressive defense on their heels with some misdirection.

5. Special teams. Like last game against the Bears, McNabb will have their way in their passing offense against the porous Falcons passing defense. Gaining Curtis back, however, may disrupt the chemistry (look at Colston for the Saints against Carolina). Both teams have trouble scoring TD's in the red zone (both less than 50% TD pct.), which means this game may come down to the kicking game. David Akers, usually reliable, is uncharacteristically 76.5% kicking this year, while Elam is 94.1%(16-17) with a game winner last week. I see a lot of similarities in last week's game with a big kickoff return from Norwood and the Falcons running the ball better against a softer team and Elam kicking a game winner in a clean, well-played game (Falcons and Eagles 11th and 3rd in penalties, respectively).

Falcons 27

Eagles 24

there, edited. Let the Dirty Bird Fly!!

[FalconMama]

The only thing that worries me is that while our O line is good a pass blocking the line has a lot of trouble opening holes for turner against the better defenses in the league.

Falcons have to play a flawless games and hope for a few bonehead Andy calls to go our way to escape with the W.

[MagnusXXIII]

Best post I have seen around here for a while.

The running game will return to form this Sunday.

Just like to add...

We will out coach the Eagles....

Laurent Robinson's return has not oft been mentioned...he could be our best receiver.

Jammal Anderson may actually become a factor.

[Shagpill]

The Eagles defense and Tampas are very similar but the Eagles offense is much better than Tampas.

Eagles 31

Falcons 13

iwill need some proff of this stat. Tampa has a winning record. if your right then your right. proff though my friend

[doubletrouble21]

1. Though the Eagles run D rank 9th in the NFL allowing 91.5 yards per game, the last 2 games they allowed 203 and 131 to the 'Skins and 49ers(3rd and 21st rush offense in league), respectively. I think the Falcons (2nd in NFL rushing offense) will keep the trend going with the tune of at least 150 yards rushing.

2. Matt Ryan. The Eagles may get to him a few times and maybe force a turnover, but facing the Tampa Bay defense earlier in the season, notably playing better in the second half after one half of adjusting, it will probably take no more than 1 quarter for him to figure them out. Looking at reason #1, the game should not be out of hand after 1 quarter.

3. No huddle offense. Even though the Eagles are coming off a bye, so are the Falcons. They will look to implement more no huddle in the offense which is more effective against blitz heavy teams. The Falcons should be able to matriculate the ball down field, and if it means dinking and dunking with an occasional deep ball, so be it. The Falcons rank 3rd in the NFL with only 5 giveaways through six games, so they should be able to sustain drives playing this way.

4. Trick plays. Look for more of the wildcat formation with Norwood and pull off a couple of big plays via that and a reverse or two from the WRs, keeping an aggressive defense on their heels with some misdirection.

5. Special teams. Like last game against the Bears, McNabb will have their way in their passing offense against the porous Falcons passing defense. Gaining Curtis back, however, may disrupt the chemistry (look at Colston for the Saints against Carolina). Both teams have trouble scoring TD's in the red zone (both less than 50% TD pct.), which means this game may come down to the kicking game. David Akers, usually reliable, is uncharacteristically 76.5% kicking this year, while Elam is 94.1%(16-17) with a game winner last week. I see a lot of similarities in last week's game with a big kickoff return from Norwood and the Falcons running the ball better against a softer team and Elam kicking a game winner in a clean, well-played game (Falcons and Eagles 11th and 3rd in penalties, respectively).

Falcons 27

Eagles 24

Very good post. AJC should look into you for when they do this column each week. I'm actually kind of fed up with AJC, though.

[sporkdevil]

Laurent Robinson's return has not oft been mentioned...he could be our best receiver.

Yes, I hope he has had time to practice, because he is fast and has great hands. He is really our only consistent slot receiver. I really can't wait to see him come up with the ball for some nice yardage on Sunday.

The run game should also be expected to return. Chicago spent all their time trying to stop the run. They did a pretty good job, and they are a pretty good team at doing such, but our pass game has finally hit flight to make a team hurt when they dedicate that much man power to stop our running duo.

I would assume the Eagles would try to put more effort towards stopping the pass game than Chicago did, and it should give us a balanced offense. The OL has stood up really well, but I don't so much blame them for the poor running games against Chicago, Tampa, and such. I blame them putting their defensive game plan to stopping the run, but now we have shown that we can pass when the run doesn't work out, for 300 yards. Without Robinson. No question, the return of Laurent is going to be a big thing, there is a reason Roddy has most of our passing yards, because Finn and Douglas don't honestly have the skill to be the #2 on every play (at least Douglas is working on it).

I would also love to see Douglas replacing Jennings on returning punts. He is da-mn quick. Once he improves his hands a bit we will have a great bunch of WR's.

[Bucman™®]

iwill need some proff of this stat. Tampa has a winning record. if your right then your right. proff though my friend

Its only an opinion...

I don't believe it!

[eaglenugget]

1. Though the Eagles run D rank 9th in the NFL allowing 91.5 yards per game, the last 2 games they allowed 203 and 131 to the 'Skins and 49ers(3rd and 21st rush offense in league), respectively. I think the Falcons (2nd in NFL rushing offense) will keep the trend going with the tune of at least 150 yards rushing.

2. Matt Ryan. The Eagles may get to him a few times and maybe force a turnover, but facing the Tampa Bay defense earlier in the season, notably playing better in the second half after one half of adjusting, it will probably take no more than 1 quarter for him to figure them out. Looking at reason #1, the game should not be out of hand after 1 quarter.

3. No huddle offense. Even though the Eagles are coming off a bye, so are the Falcons. They will look to implement more no huddle in the offense which is more effective against blitz heavy teams. The Falcons should be able to matriculate the ball down field, and if it means dinking and dunking with an occasional deep ball, so be it. The Falcons rank 3rd in the NFL with only 5 giveaways through six games, so they should be able to sustain drives playing this way.

4. Trick plays. Look for more of the wildcat formation with Norwood and pull off a couple of big plays via that and a reverse or two from the WRs, keeping an aggressive defense on their heels with some misdirection.

5. Special teams. Like last game against the Bears, McNabb will have their way in their passing offense against the porous Falcons passing defense. Gaining Curtis back, however, may disrupt the chemistry (look at Colston for the Saints against Carolina). Both teams have trouble scoring TD's in the red zone (both less than 50% TD pct.), which means this game may come down to the kicking game. David Akers, usually reliable, is uncharacteristically 76.5% kicking this year, while Elam is 94.1%(16-17) with a game winner last week. I see a lot of similarities in last week's game with a big kickoff return from Norwood and the Falcons running the ball better against a softer team and Elam kicking a game winner in a clean, well-played game (Falcons and Eagles 11th and 3rd in penalties, respectively).

Falcons 27

Eagles 24

OK Turner had around 250 or so in the game vs Detriot, and his good games were vs bad defenses. The Eagles don't have a bad defense Turner may break 100 but the Falcons will not win this game.

[dirtybirdman]

OK Turner had around 250 or so in the game vs Detriot, and his good games were vs bad defenses. The Eagles don't have a bad defense Turner may break 100 but the Falcons will not win this game.

Falcons are 3-0 when Turner rushes for at least 100 yards, 1-2 when he doesn't. I like our chances

[eaglenugget]

Falcons are 3-0 when Turner rushes for at least 100 yards, 1-2 when he doesn't. I like our chances

Stats don't mean crap and if they did we would win this game. 9-0 AFTER BYE!!!

[dirtybirdman]

Stats don't mean crap and if they did we would win this game. 9-0 AFTER BYE!!!

I'm talking bout this year's stats homey. 9-0 is in the past, and from what i've seen through other threads, it was against teams with a combined 22-37 record (not including Rams who were resting players last week of season)/

[JackstrawFalcon]

If the O-Line cant provide protection the Falcon will win. I forgot what game it was, i think it was the Eagle vs Pittsburg on Sunday night earlier in the season and the Eagles were all over the QB all game. If they are able to do that, Ryan might get a good lesson and a welcome to the NFL. I still think he can handle it :-)

[eaglenugget]

I'm talking bout this year's stats homey. 9-0 is in the past, and from what i've seen through other threads, it was against teams with a combined 22-37 record (not including Rams who were resting players last week of season)/

Say whatever you want, that stat still stands and will improve come 4:30 this sunday.