Monday Night Football: Falcons vs. Eagles — A Battle for NFC Supremacy

Monday Night Football on September 16 will feature an exhilarating matchup between the Atlanta Falcons and the Philadelphia Eagles, two teams with plenty to prove as they battle it out in an early-season showdown. This NFC clash brings a mix of young, rising stars and veteran playmakers, making it a must-watch game for football fans.


The Eagles, coming off a successful 2023 season where they reached the Super Bowl, are looking to continue their dominance in the NFC. The Falcons, on the other hand, have revamped their roster and are eager to show the league that they are contenders once again. Here's everything you need to know about this Monday Night Football game, from key players to watch, what to expect on the field, and how to tune in.


What to Watch For

Both teams come into this game with strong aspirations for the 2024 season. The Eagles are one of the favorites to return to the playoffs, while the Falcons are a team full of potential with exciting young players. This matchup will likely come down to which team can execute better on both sides of the ball.


Jalen Hurts vs. Falcons’ Defense

The Eagles' Jalen Hurts is one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the league, and watching him go up against the Falcons' revamped defense will be a key storyline. After leading the Eagles to the Super Bowl last season, Hurts has solidified himself as a top-tier quarterback. His dual-threat ability to make plays with both his arm and legs will be a significant challenge for Atlanta.


Under head coach Arthur Smith, the Falcons' defense has undergone significant changes, including the addition of veteran safety Jessie Bates III, who will be tasked with helping contain Hurts and the Eagles’ explosive offense. Expect Hurts to spread the ball around to his many weapons, including A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Dallas Goedert, as he looks to take advantage of Atlanta's secondary.


Falcons’ New-Look Offense

The Falcons enter this game with a vastly improved offense, led by second-year quarterback Desmond Ridder. Ridder, who showed flashes of potential last season, will be tested early by the Eagles' ferocious defensive front. Atlanta’s offense will rely heavily on its run game, which features rookie running back Bijan Robinson, one of the most exciting young talents in the league.


Robinson was selected eighth overall in the 2024 NFL Draft and has already drawn comparisons to some of the league's elite backs. He will be looking to make a big statement on the national stage, and if the Falcons' offensive line can create space for him, Robinson could be a game-changer. Paired with Tyler Allgeier, who rushed for over 1,000 yards last season, the Falcons' backfield is one of the best in the NFC.


The Falcons’ receiving corps, led by Drake London and Kyle Pitts, will also be a key factor in Ridder’s development. London had a breakout rookie season, and Pitts, a physical mismatch for defenders, will be a focal point in the passing game. The question is whether Ridder can deliver against a stout Eagles defense, and Monday night will be his biggest test yet.


Eagles’ Pass Rush vs. Falcons’ Offensive Line

One of the most critical battles of the game will be in the trenches. The Eagles boast one of the most dangerous defensive fronts in the NFL, led by Haason Reddick, Fletcher Cox, and Jordan Davis. Their ability to generate pressure on Desmond Ridder could be the deciding factor in this game. Reddick, who finished last season with 16 sacks, will be looking to disrupt Ridder’s timing and force him into making mistakes.


On the other side, Atlanta’s offensive line has been improved but will have to step up in a big way to protect their young quarterback and open lanes for Bijan Robinson. If the Falcons can’t control the line of scrimmage, it will be a long night for Ridder and the offense.


Key Players to Watch

Jalen Hurts (Eagles QB)

Jalen Hurts is entering the prime of his career, and after a breakout 2023 season, he’s poised to cement his place as one of the league’s elite quarterbacks. His ability to make plays both in the air and on the ground makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses. Watch for Hurts to take advantage of Atlanta’s secondary with deep shots to A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, while also keeping the defense honest with his scrambling ability.


Bijan Robinson (Falcons RB)

Bijan Robinson is one of the most hyped rookies entering the 2024 season, and for good reason. His combination of speed, vision, and power makes him a threat to break off a big play at any moment. Robinson’s performance against a tough Eagles defense will be crucial for the Falcons' success. Expect him to get a lot of touches in both the running and passing game.


A.J. Brown (Eagles WR)

A.J. Brown had an incredible season in 2023, establishing himself as one of the best wide receivers in the NFL. Brown's physicality and ability to win contested catches make him a key player to watch in this game. With Hurts looking to air it out, Brown will likely see plenty of targets downfield.


Kyle Pitts (Falcons TE)

Kyle Pitts is a matchup nightmare for any defense. At 6'6" with elite speed and athleticism, he’s a tight end with wide receiver skills. After a somewhat disappointing sophomore campaign, Pitts is primed for a big year. Ridder will look to him in crucial moments, and Pitts' ability to stretch the field could be a game-changer for Atlanta.


Haason Reddick (Eagles DE)

Haason Reddick was a force last season, finishing with 16 sacks, and he’ll be looking to wreak havoc once again on Monday night. Reddick’s speed off the edge and ability to disrupt the quarterback will be a major test for Atlanta’s offensive line. If Reddick can get to Ridder, it could lead to turnovers and shift the game in the Eagles' favor.


Desmond Ridder (Falcons QB)

All eyes will be on Desmond Ridder as he looks to take the next step in his development as Atlanta’s starting quarterback. Ridder showed promise last season, but this game will be his biggest test yet. How he handles the Eagles' pass rush and whether he can make smart decisions under pressure will be key in determining the Falcons' success.


How to Watch

Catch all the action live on Monday Night Football as the Falcons take on the Eagles in what promises to be a thrilling NFC matchup.


Date: Monday, September 16, 2024

Kickoff Time: 8:15 PM ET

Channel: ESPN, ABC

Streaming: ESPN app, NFL Game Pass, or other streaming platforms

Location: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA

What to Expect

The Eagles come into this game as the favorites, given their dominance in the NFC and the talent they have on both sides of the ball. However, the Falcons are no pushovers. With Bijan Robinson running the ball and Drake London and Kyle Pitts creating mismatches in the passing game, Atlanta has the firepower to challenge Philadelphia.


The key for Atlanta will be whether Desmond Ridder can stay calm under pressure and avoid costly turnovers. If he can connect with Pitts and London while establishing a strong run game, the Falcons could keep it close and possibly pull off an upset.


For the Eagles, the game plan will revolve around Jalen Hurts making plays both through the air and on the ground. If Philadelphia’s defense, led by Haason Reddick and Fletcher Cox, can control the line of scrimmage and put pressure on Ridder, the Eagles should have the upper hand.


Prediction

While the Falcons have the talent to compete, the Eagles are simply too strong on both offense and defense. J