Some could say the dirty birds are back. After years of playoff disappointment, and an underwhelming season last year, the Atlanta Falcons fired on all cylinders against the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night Football.
All credit is due to kicker Matt Bryant and wide receiver Julio Jones. Jones looked like the number one receiver in the league reeling in 141 yards with two touchdowns on nine receptions. While Bryant had one of the best games as a kicker this week, scoring three 40 yard plus field goals in the game.
It was near perfect game in the first half for the Falcons, scoring 17 points in the second quarter. Atlanta went into the half with the lead 20 – 3 with a standing ovation from the crowd. The cheers were a long time coming for fans as skepticism grew if the team would come out with a win, let alone a winning season.
Come the second half, it was time for Chip Kelly’s Eagles to take over. Matt Ryan’s interception on Atlanta’s first position changed the momentum of the game. The Eagles capitalized as they scored 14 unanswered points in the third quarter.
Running back DeMarco Murray cut it to a 10 point deficit after an eight yard touchdown run. With three minutes left in the third, quarterback Sam Bradford shook of his sluggish start with a five yard touchdown pass to DeMarco Murray, cutting the score 20 – 17.
Start of the fourth quarter, quarterback Matt Ryan couldn’t capitalize, coming up short near Eagles territory. Lucky enough, Matt Bryant was there to clean up for the Falcons scoring a 44 yard goal to keep it close before a Ryan Matthews touchdown which gave the Eagles the lead at 24 – 23. Bryant answered again with six minutes left in the game with a clutch 47 yard field goal giving the Falcons the lead.
Now it was all eyes on Bradford as it came down to the final minutes. Unfortunately with over a minute left on the clock, a deflected pass to Jordan Matthews was intercepted by Ricardo Allen to seal the game.
FINAL SCORE:
ATLANTA FALCONS 26 – PHILADELPHIA EAGLES 24
MVP of the Game:
Julio Jones: 141 yards, nice reception, two touchdown. Jones showed he was worthy every penny of his five year $71.21 million contract extension.
LVP of the Game:
Sam Bradford: 336 yards, 36/52 Attempts, one touchdown, two interceptions. Hopes are still high for Bradford, but it was his time to shine coming back from a season ending injury. In short stretches he showed he could deliver, but in the end it only added up to an Eagles loss.
