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Let's get to the Philadelphia Eagles links ...
Lane Johnson bothered that underdog Eagles ‘treated like we were the Browns’ - ESPN
It wasn’t long after that when Johnson took offense and declared a media boycott that ultimately didn’t last long. ”What bothered me was we were 12-2 [at the time] and treated like we were the Browns,” Johnson said. “It happens, but I think although we don’t like it, it’s a good motivator to have people not write good things. I think it’s the best motivator there is and you can go and change it.”
4 reasons why the Eagles can upset the Falcons - BGN
One reason the Falcons were able to upset the Rams was that along with keeping Los Angeles off the field with stolen possessions (more on that later), they ground down the clock as well. The Falcons possessed the ball for a ridiculous 37:35, reducing the the time the Rams could have the ball for. Keeping control of the ball is nothing new for the Falcons, who were 23rd in seconds per play in 2016, and were 20th this season. However against the Eagles, the Falcons should take opposite approach, at least to start the game. The more opportunities Nick Foles has, the more he can help the Falcons. When Foles has to throw a lot, he becomes a bad QB, while Matt Ryan, like most good QBs, merely becomes a decent one.
Eagles vs. Falcons: Five matchups to watch, when Atlanta has the ball - PhillyVoice
If you happened to catch the Falcons’ win over the Los Angeles Rams in the wild-card round, you undoubtedly noticed Rams DT Aaron Donald wrecking shop against the interior of the Falcons’ offensive line. That was partly because (A) Donald is a beast, but also (B) the Falcons had to place OG Andy Levitre on injured reserve the week of the game with a triceps injury. The Falcons’ guards, LG Ben Garland and RG Wes Schweitzer, are the weak link of the Atlanta offense. Conversely, the Eagles’ defensive tackles are a significant strength. Timmy Jernigan was quiet down the stretch, but he should be well rested after being inactive Week 17 against the Cowboys. It is imperative that he and Fletcher Cox take advantage of this matchup and push the pocket back into Matt Ryan’s face. It might also make sense to utilize Brandon Graham’s quickness on the inside on obvious passing downs.
Win the Week - Iggles Blitz
Doug Pederson’s message to the team all year long has been to “win the week”. Whatever you do that week, do it well. And do it all week long. A bad week of practice followed by a win on Sunday isn’t what you want. You won’t sustain that formula. A great week of practice followed by a loss isn’t any good. You need to be good all week long. Last week the Eagles were able to have some good practices. They got some more rest. Injured players had more time to heal up. Coaches had extra time to work on gameplans and do some self-scouting. That’s how you win the week when you don’t play.
NFL Coaching Carousel: Matt Nagy, Jon Gruden Introduced; N.Y. or Detroit for Matt Patricia? - Sports Illustrated
In Detroit, I hear Pats defensive coordinator Matt Patricia is the choice over Houston’s defensive boss, Mike Vrabel—but Patricia favors the Giants. If the Giants give the nod to Patricia, Detroit could be Vrabel’s job. … New Chicago coach Matt Nagy got hot at the end of the season, and Colts GM Chris Ballard—the former Chiefs director of player personnel who knew Nagy well—also was smitten with him. … Indy would seem a good fit for Pats offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. … Players love Carolina defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, who interviewed with the Giants on Tuesday, and he could be the calming guy to fix a divided and mercenary New York team. Plus, he wouldn’t balk at GM Dave Gettleman picking the team’s long-term quarterback. … Arizona is wide open. Vikings offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur could be in play there, or with the Giants. [BLG Note: Notice there’s no mention of John DeFilippo or Jim Schwartz here.]
4 stats to know as Philadelphia Eagles, Atlanta Falcons prepare for divisional round game - PennLive
Falcons allowed 24 regular-season sacks, tied for third fewest in NFL. The Falcons’ offense this season wasn’t as explosive as last year, but the group still ranked eighth in total yards, thanks in part to a strong offensive line and the savviness of reigning MVP quarterback Matt Ryan. Led by Pro Bowl center Alex Mack, Atlanta remained sturdy up front and allowed just 1.5 sacks per game. In Saturday’s wildcard win, the Falcons’ pass protection experienced rare slippage, as the Rams brought Ryan down three times. On the season as a whole, though, the Atlanta often kept its quarterback upright; only the Chargers and Saints allowed fewer sacks.
Nick Foles Ready To Let ‘Er Rip Vs. Falcons - PE.com
He’s had two weeks to scout his game, look at film until his eyes bleed, energize his body and his mind, and just consider the circumstances. And Nick Foles has also answered the questions, so many questions. With just a few more days to go before the Eagles open the playoffs with a Divisional Round game against Atlanta, Foles is ready to let ‘er rip ...
Most accurate deep ball passers in 2017 - PFF
7) Carson Wentz - The biggest jump in Wentz’s breakout second season, was his work in the intermediate game, but he also improved to become one of the league’s most efficient downfield throwers. He made plays within structure, but also flashed the highlight-reel plays that had him in the MVP conversation before being lost for the season due to injury. Even missing the last three games of the year, Wentz finished sixth in the league with 912 deep yards and he had the fourth-highest percentage of deep passing attempts at 14.8 percent.
Monday Morning Digest: The Specter Hanging over the NFL Playoffs - B/R
Unfortunately for the Eagles, early forecasts call for highs in the mid-40s Saturday, veritable T-shirt weather. Single-digit temperatures won’t be a 12th Eagles defender in a game that is likely to be defined by defense, as the Eagles try to manufacture offense on the ground while the Falcons stall in the red zone. But defensive duels often come down to turnovers, fourth-down conversions and field goals. The Eagles were plus-11 in takeaways (while the Falcons were minus-2) and had a huge fourth-down advantage this season (17-of-26 converted, 4-of-18 allowed, per NFL GSIS), while 42-year-old Matt Bryant and rookie Jake Elliott were both money on long kicks and shakier on short ones this season. The Eagles have plenty of little advantages. They just lack a quarterback.
Reliving legendary hit in last Eagles-Falcons playoff game - NBC Sports Philadelphia
Somehow, Alge Crumpler held onto the football for a 31-yard gain to set up a Falcons touchdown late in the second quarter of the 2004 NFC Championship Game. It didn’t matter a bit. Never before or since has a team hit on a 31-yard-play that gave the opposing team so much momentum. ”They did score there,” Brian Dawkins said. “But it didn’t matter. We had made a statement. I had delivered a message.”
All-22: What Nick Foles can expect to see from the Falcons’ defense - The Athletic
To consistently move the ball, the Eagles have to get their run game going and rely on play-action against a very fast and aggressive Atlanta defense. If the Eagles become one-dimensional, it’s tough to see them moving the ball effectively. The Falcons’ secondary is just too good. They don’t do anything too complicated, but they play their defense and trust that their athletes are better and will play faster than the opponent.
Matt Ryan’s experience in multiple schemes has turned him into a versatile weapon - The Falcoholic
Ryan has gone from game manager, to pocket passer, to mobile play-action scrambler. At 32, he has mastered it all.
Nick Saban “covets” Giants job, says Bruce Arians - Big Blue View
Here we go again. Fresh off his fifth college football national championship with Alabama in nine years, and sixth overall, the Nick Saban to the New York Giants rumors are starting again.
Chiefs’ Brad Childress planning to retire, report says - Arrowhead Pride
Just an hour ago I wondered if Chiefs assistant head coach Brad Childress would be a potential in-house candidate for the now vacant offensive coordinator job after Matt Nagy was hired by the Chicago Bears. Turns out, Childress won’t be the coordinator — because he’s planning to retire.
Enjoy these very Jon Gruden quotes from his Raiders introductory press conference - SB Nation
Gruden gave us some insight into himself during the presser, including the fact that he has a different perspective than other coaches. “Somebody said I was insane a minute ago,” Gruden said. “It’s probably exactly right. I have a different mentality than most guys, I guess.”
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