Sunday, September 18, 2011

Eagles-Falcons Big Battles

By Steve Lienert
The Phanatic

Some battles and strategy to keep an eye on tonight, besides Michael Vick's return to Atlanta, as the Eagles prepare to play the Falcons:

- Atlanta's no-huddle offense could cause matchup problems for the Eagles, especially if the Birds aren't crisp with their defensive substitutions. One mistake there and suddenly Roddy White has single-coverage.

- Eagles CB Nnamdi Asomugha got beat deep twice by Rams receiver Brandon Gibson. He may not get targeted much, but when he does he needs to better than he was last week.

- The Eagles 9-wide defensive scheme leaves big holes between the lineman that needs to be filled by linebackers. If Michael Turner has a big day, it will be a long day for the Eagles. Casey Matthews will be tested again.

- Eagles OTs Todd Herremans and Jason Peters played well last week while slowing down Chris Long and company. There hands will be full again this week with Falcons DEs Ray Edwards and John Abraham. TE Brent Celek will be called on to block more than he will be used as a receiver.

- WR DeSean Jackson had just one catch in last season's game against Atlanta, while Jeremy Maclin exploded for 159. Jackson has a demon or two to exorcise.

- Eagles LB Jamar Chaney will have his hands full with the Falcons' aging-but-effective TE Tony Gonzalez.

- How many times will the Falcons play 'Who Let The Dogs Out' over the loud speakers during the game?

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