The Philadelphia Eagles lose their opening game of the season 26-24 to the Atlanta Falcons after climbing back from a 17-point first-half deficit.
The Eagles only needed a field goal when they received the ball with two minutes remaining in the game, but an interception halted their miraculous comeback. Jordan Matthews could not catch a pass that hit him square in the hands, and Ricardo Allen secured the interception to seal the game for Atlanta.
Even before the interception, Philadelphia was lucky to have a second chance at a game-winning drive. Cody Parkey missed a 44-yard field goal, with under three minutes remaining in the game. Head coach Chip Kelly contemplated going for it on fourth down, with only one yard to gain, but he opted to take the safe route and send the kicker out.
Overall, the game was a tale of two halves. Philadelphia came out flat in the first half and punted on its first four possessions. On the other side, Atlanta jumped out to an early lead and went into halftime leading 20-3.
The Eagles' so-called high-powered offense gained only 125 yards in the first half, including eight yards on the ground. Last year's leading rusher carried the ball four times for minus-four yards in the first half.
In the first game of the season, the offense looked like a unit that drastically needed time together to establish cohesion. Sam Bradford and his new receivers were not on the same page several times.
After a poor first half, the defense came up big in the first drive of the third quarter, as Walter Thurmond intercepted a pass deep in Atlanta's territory to give the Eagles the chance to score a touchdown.
The interception and ensuing touchdown sparks Philadelphia's momentum as the defense began to get stops and the offense implemented their high-tempo offense. Atlanta looked on the ropes in the fourth quarter after the Eagles claimed the lead on a six-play, 80-yard drive. Bradford's patience allowed him to find open receivers consistantly, and then Ryan Mathews capped off the drive with a one-yard touchdown run.
The fourth quarter became a wild affair when the Eagles took the lead on a six-play, 80-yard drive midway through the period, as Bradford completed four consecutive passes before Mathews punched in a one-yard touchdown run.
Matt Ryan showcased his ability to lead a team late in the game when he completed a pass to Julio Jones for 44 yards to get the Falcons into field-goal range. Matt Bryant then hit what would end up being the field goal from 47 yards out.
Heading into Monday night, Philadelphia's stock was rising following an impressive preseason campaign. However, the Eagles proved that their new-look roster, although talented, still needs time to jell.
via http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2566846-eagles-vs-falcons-philadelphia-grades-notes-quotes
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