2024 NFL Season, Week 2: Key Takeaways from the Falcons' Victory Over the Eagles on Monday Night
The Atlanta Falcons pulled off a thrilling road victory against the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night, relying heavily on their run game throughout most of the contest. Bijan Robinson was the centerpiece of the Falcons’ offensive strategy, finishing with 97 rushing yards on 14 carries, averaging an impressive 6.9 yards per attempt. Despite the ground success, Atlanta struggled to finish drives in the end zone. With only 1:39 left to play and 70 yards between them and a win, many assumed their inconsistent passing game would falter. However, they proved everyone wrong.
Kirk Cousins found his rhythm when it mattered most. The veteran quarterback connected with Kyle Pitts to jumpstart the final drive, then expertly led the hurry-up offense, hitting Darnell Mooney twice for big gains of 21 and 26 yards, putting Atlanta in the Eagles' red zone. Two plays later, Cousins found Drake London for a 7-yard touchdown, capping a dramatic comeback and stunning the Philadelphia crowd at Lincoln Financial Field. Cousins silenced critics with his clutch performance, saving the Falcons from an 0-2 start.
Eagles Waste Jalen Hurts' Masterpiece
Despite the loss, Jalen Hurts delivered an outstanding performance, using his legs to extend plays and orchestrating a scoring drive that featured a gritty 15-yard scramble. His passing was sharp, though not overwhelming, and with a strong mix of Hurts’ creativity and Saquon Barkley's running, the Eagles looked poised for a 2-0 start. But things unraveled quickly.
Hurts had a chance to mount a game-winning drive, but a late interception to Jessie Bates sealed the Eagles' fate. Hurts’ effort wasn't enough to overcome critical mistakes, and Philadelphia will need time to digest how a game that seemed winnable slipped away in the final moments.
Cousins Recaptures Old Form
After a shaky Week 1, Atlanta acknowledged the need to make Kirk Cousins more comfortable in their offense. Early on, the Falcons leaned on play-action, but Cousins struggled, posting just 75 passing yards in the first half. However, he turned it around after the break, completing 13 of his last 16 passes for 166 yards and two touchdowns.
On the game’s final drive, Cousins showcased his arm strength and decision-making, leading the Falcons down the field with precision. His connection with Mooney for a key completion, followed by the touchdown pass to London, was a throwback to his prime performances. If Cousins can maintain this form, Atlanta will be a serious contender in the NFC South.
Eagles Need to Clean It Up
The Eagles’ loss was not solely due to Hurts’ interception. Philadelphia committed nine penalties, costing them 53 yards, and negated several key gains, including three illegal man downfield calls. Additionally, Hurts’ delay of game on a critical spike highlighted the Eagles’ mismanagement at key moments. For a team with championship aspirations, these mistakes will need to be addressed quickly.
Eagles' Risky Decision Backfires
With 1:46 remaining and a 3rd-and-3, the Eagles could have chosen to run the ball, potentially winding the clock down before a field goal. Instead, they opted for a play-action pass targeting Saquon Barkley, who dropped it, giving Atlanta enough time to mount their game-winning drive. Hindsight may be 20/20, but the decision to pass on third down deviated from what had worked for Philadelphia all night and left them vulnerable.
Next Gen Stat of the Game:
With just 1:56 left in the fourth quarter, the Falcons had only a 0.7% chance of winning, according to the Next Gen Stats win probability model. Their improbable comeback ranks as the seventh-most unlikely win in the Next Gen Stats era (since 2016).
NFL Research:
Kirk Cousins, once 0-9 on Monday Night Football, has now won four of his last five starts in the prime-time slot. On the flip side, Philadelphia’s loss marks their fourth defeat in games where they held a lead with less than two minutes remaining since the start of 2023, tying for the most such losses in the NFL during that period.
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