The Philadelphia Eagles limped out of Atlanta with a 1-1 record after a heartbreaking last minute loss to the Falcons. Worse than the loss, was the list of skills players who were lost early on to injuries that could impact Philadelphia’s season going forward.
The Birds lost Dallas Goedert in pre-game warmups with a calf injury. Then minutes into the game, receivers DeSean Jackson (groin) and Alshon Jeffery (calf) were left sideline with lower body injuries.
Carson Wentz played with guts and true grit, almost bringing the Eagles back in the final minute.
With the Eagles attention now turning towards the Lions, here are the studs and duds from the Eagles gut wrenching loss in Atlanta.
Stud:
Carson Wentz – The Eagles star didn’t play his best game statistically, but his legend grew leaps and bounds with his gutsy performance. Wentz almost willed the Eagles to victory and even with a couple of bad throws, he was still a stud on the night.
Dud:
Ronald Darby – After a week where Darby was hyped as the Eagles best cornerback, the Falcons showed that they weren’t believers, targeting the cornerback early and often. Darby looked out of sorts all night and may not be completely healthy.
Stud:
Doug Pederson
Pederson stays aggressive and always has his team and specifically his offense believing that they’re never out of a game.
Dud:
Brandon Graham
The Eagles’ unheralded edge player is so disruptive on a weekly basis but many don’t notice because they get too caught up in sack numbers.
Stud:
Mack Hollins
Hollins has battled lower body injuries for two seasons now, but recorded his finest performance as a pro. Hollins finished with five catches for 50 yards and also downed a punt at the 1-yard line. Now healthy, there’s a reason he remained on the roster.
Dud:
Isaac Seumalo
Seumalo will have nightmares about Grady Jarrett after playing his worst game as a pro. Seumalo allowed two sacks, six quarterback hurries, three penalties, and poor run blocking all night long.
Dud:
Nelson Agholor
Agholor put up big numbers — eight receptions for 107 yards — but his huge drop is a microcosm of his entire career.
Stud:
Eagles run defense
Other than the 28-yard run that Ito Smith broke, the Eagles did a good job of containing the Falcons running game. Devonta Freeman (11 carries, 22 yards) and Smith combined for 54 yards on 15 carries. Brandon Graham was just as impressive in defending the running game. The Eagles run defense is definitely something to be proud of.
Dud:
Eagles offensive line
Carson Wentz was brutalized on the night, taking 10 hits as well as being on the receiving end of 3 sacks as well. Philadelphia averaged 2.6 yards per carr, while left guard Isaac Seumalo regressed as a player on the night. The Falcons pressure matched Philadelphia’s on defense all night long.
Dud:
Eagles pass rush
Jim Schwartz got the pressure he wanted, but it came in the form of constant blitzing. That approach cost Schwartz and the Eagles on Julio Jones 54 yard touchown. Matt Ryan was pressured all night long, yet the Eagles only sacked the Falcons star one time.
