Battle of the Birds: Eagles vs. Falcons Week 13 Game Preview

In the majority of their games this year, the Eagles struggled to maintain a consistency as a unit, meaning both offensively, defensively, and on the special teams squad. They went through streaks of blowout victories, but also dropped a few winnable game in which they failed to produce all over the field. Over the last two weeks, however, the Eagles have completed come-from-behind wins and kept themselves in the heart of the race for the NFC East division and the playoffs. Their next roadblock comes in the form of the Atlanta Falcons who, at 6-5, are on the verge of slipping out of the postseason picture but have high hopes with a roster stocked with talent. Well, maybe not so much for this weekend’s matchup. The Falcons are expected to be missing at least a few of their key players, including starting QB Matt Ryan and possibly RBs Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood because of injuries. Of course, the Eagles have some injuries of their own, but either way this showdown between two powerful NFC members is likely to be a memorable one. 

Week 13 Opponent: Atlanta Falcons

2008 Record: 11-5 (0-1 playoffs)

Last Meeting Between Teams: Week 8, 2008. PHI-27 ATL-14

Game Location: Georgia Dome (Atlanta, Georgia)

Evaluation: There have not been many changes made to the Falcons since the last time they faced off with the Eagles, but there will definitely be some new faces playing in red uniforms on Sunday for Atlanta. With their franchise Quarterback who was drafted to replace Michael Vick (who is, of course, now donning an Eagles uniform) confirmed to be sitting out with a toe injury, backup signal-caller Chris Redman is expected to lead the offense this weekend. Although some may question Redman’s ability to take control of a team, he undoubtedly has some weapons at his disposal. Pro-Bowl WR Roddy White has looked brilliant all season, and RB Michael Turner, when not bothered by ankle injuries, has rushed consistently and excellently. On the defensive side of the ball, the Falcons have experienced dominant play from their d-line, especially DT Jonathan Babineaux. They’ve had their fair share of trouble on defense, though, and currently rank 27th in the league in terms of total yardage allowed. Although the Falcons seem as if they would be an automatic lock in the NFC playoff seeding, they have stumbled in several contests this season, and will perhaps see their postseason aspirations disappear with a loss on Sunday. Atlanta is definitely beatable, but as I’ve mentioned every week since the Eagles’ embarrassing loss to the lowly Raiders, they mustn’t overlook a team such as the Falcons with banged-up players but a load of heart.

Key Matchups:

• OLB Will Witherspoon (PHI) vs. TE Tony Gonzalez (ATL): With Akeem Jordan still sidelined with a knee hyper-extension, Witherspoon will remain at his natural Outside Linebacker position. The trade deadline acquisition has been a contributor all season, and has done a fine job covering opposing teams’ Tight Ends, something that was a major problem early in the year. Witherspoon may have his toughest task tomorrow afternoon when he will have the responsibility of covering Tony Gonzalez on frequent occasion. The Atlanta blocker and receiver has hauled in 61 passes for 666 yards and 5 TDs thus far, and he doesn’t look to cease his production now. In 4 of his last 5 games, Gonzalez has had at least 67 receiving yards, and will be tough man to cover during tomorrow’s matchup.
• RB LeSean McCoy (PHI) vs. MLB Curtis Lofton (ATL): Week 13 may seem as if it will not involve a running game with both teams’ starting RBs injured and a bunch of Quarterbacks eager to throw the ball in the Georgia Dome (including one that…hint, hint…wears number 7). But a balanced game plan is still a necessity, and rookie rusher LeSean McCoy is the proven key to that aspect. He was among the Rookie of the Month finalists for November in honor of his astounding efforts as the Eagles’ replacement starter, and will primarily have to maneuver around Lofton to find large running lanes. The 248-lb. Linebacker is emerging into a young star in Atlanta’s defense, and this individual player battle may be one of the most crucial of the game, for it may determine whether the Eagles are able to establish a rushing attack versus the Falcons.
• CB Asante Samuel (PHI) vs. WR Michael Jenkins (ATL): Jenkins isn’t the “big-play” guy in the Falcon offense, but he has the ability to change a game with one play. With 215 pounds of muscle and a rough 6-inch advantage over this game’s primary coverer of him (Samuel), Jenkins will likely see plenty of opportunities to penetrate the Eagles’ secondary. Samuel notched 2 interceptions last week against the Redskins, but his tackling skills might be the more important factor tomorrow against a physical receiver like Jenkins. If he isn’t able to contain the Falcons’ number 2 wideout, the Philly Birds might be in for a long day attempting to cover repetitive short passes that wear down the strength of both Samuel and his teammates.
• TE Brent Celek (PHI) vs. OLB Mike Peterson (ATL): While Gonzalez is a key player for the Falcons, you’d better believe that Celek is a key contributor for the Eagles. The 3rd-year player is fresh off a contract extension that will keep him in Philadelphia until 2016, but is also tending to a sprained thumb. He has been a consistent target of QB Donovan McNabb’s in the redzone, so it will be important for him to break loose of Mike Peterson’s coverage. The Linebacker is in his 11th season, but remains quite quick for a veteran aged 33 years old who played the Middle Linebacker spot for the majority of his career. As long as Celek can find holes in the defense and give McNabb someone to throw to in tight or clutch situations, the Eagles should be in good shape in terms of production through the air. However, Peterson’s ability shouldn’t be underestimated, and all throws directed towards his area of the field should definitely be tossed with caution.

What to Watch For…

• The most obvious thing to look for in this game is the return of Michael Vick to Atlanta, the place he became a superstar. The Eagles have used him sparingly this year as a backup Quarterback and situational runner, but he remains an athletic threat whenever he takes the field. Of course, Vick’s legacy was established while he was with the Falcons from 2001-2006, and it will surely be interesting to see how his homecoming turns out. Head coach Andy Reid hinted in a press conference that a touchdown for the speedy player should be near, so be sure to keep your eyes on the QB when he’s out there.
• The Falcons are 12-1 at home under the coaching of Mike Smith, including a 5-0 mark this year. In addition to this statistical fact, the Georgia Dome–Atlanta’s home and the location of tomorrow afternoon’s contest–is known as one of the loudest and disrupting stadiums in the league. According to these odds, it appears the Eagles are going to be in for a rough day, and whether you believe in theories like these or not, keep in mind these intriguing facts as the game begins to shape up. it just might make the experience a little better.
• With  7 players listed as “Questionable” on their injury report (5 of them are starters), the Falcons may be playing Week 13 with a squad of backups. As mentioned previously, their QB Matt Ryan has already been confirmed out with a toe injury. As if that weren’t enough, a trio of Wide Receivers are marked down with injuries, as well as a pair of Linebackers and offensive linemen. No matter whom the Falcons may be missing, the Eagles simply need to execute, but it is definitely something to keep an eye on during the game…how many people Atlanta is indeed without, and who they may have to turn to if the replacements are injured themselves.

Injury Report (Eagles):

RB Brian Westbrook (concussion) Out

WR DeSean Jackson (concussion) Out

WR Jason Avant (slightly strained hamstring) Probable

WR Jeremy Maclin (reoccurring foot pain) Probable

WR Kevin Curtis (surgery; sprained knee) Out

TE Brent Celek (sprained thumb) Probable

OG Nick Cole (knee pain) Probable

OG Todd Herremans (shoulder pain) Probable

DE Victor Abiamiri (surgery; sprained knee) Probable

DT Brodrick Bunkley (right ankle sprain) Probable

DT Mike Patterson (bruised wrist, toe pain) Probable

OLB Akeem Jordan (hyper-extended knee) Out

OLB Tracy White (chest pain) Probable

OLB Will Witherspoon (bruised foot) Probable

CB Asante Samuel (strained neck muscles) Probable

CB Sheldon Brown (strained hamstring) Probable

FS Quintin Demps (sprained ankle) Probable

Projected Team Lineups:

The playoff race is in full swing, it’s a battle of two NFC Birds…what’s not to like?! Week 13 should be an amazing one for the Eagles!

(picture source)