If the Falcons can’t come up with a win against the Eagles tonight, it’ll be panic time for head coach Dan Quinn and his squad. Since 1990, only 12 percent of playoff teams have started 0-2, which is exactly where the Falcons will be if they don’t take care of business tonight.
Here are four ways the team can avoid that 0-2 hole against the Eagles.
1. Get off to a faster start
Week 1, Atlanta trailed Minnesota 28-0 in the blink of an eye. They managed to squeeze out 12 points in garbage time, but the outcome was never in question. The Falcons have the NFC’s most explosive passing offense on paper, but a lack of protection up front made the group well below average against the Vikings. Devonta Freeman will need to run the ball more effectively and in general they need to convert early third downs, which could make all the difference.
2. QB Matt Ryan must outplay Carson Wentz
These two teams have loads of talent, but they both go as their franchise quarterbacks go. Ryan was bad last week, getting little time in the pocket and too often forcing the ball to Julio Jones. His two interceptions may have sealed Atlanta’s fate. Meanwhile, Wentz was outstanding in his debut — throwing for 313 yards, three touchdowns and zero interceptions. Ryan will need to bounce back strong and outplay Wentz in this one.
3. Utilize home-field advantage
The Minneapolis home crowd was so loud that it definitely bothered the Falcons offense, which only made matters worse. Tonight, the crowd at Mercedes-Benz stadium in Atlanta will get their chance to show they can get as loud as anyone. Matt Ryan has been great in home openers, and if the crowd gets involved early, the Falcons could turn the tables and make it hard for Philadelphia’s play-makers to hear Wentz in the huddle and at the line.
4. Defense must not give up the big play
DeSean Jackson may be 32 years old, but he can still fly as evidenced by his dominant performance in Week 1. Jackson had eight catches for 154 yards and two scores. Philadelphia doesn’t quite have the running game Minnesota does, so they’ll be looking to attack Atlanta through the air. If veteran Atlanta corner Desmond Trufant can stay in front of Jackson, it’ll greatly increase the team’s chances.
