3 Bold Predictions: Falcons-Eagles

falcons

Falcons Will Sack Sam Bradford At Least 3 Times

The Falcons had one of the worst pass rushes in the league last season. As a team, they only totaled 22 sacks last year, which is only 1.5 sacks more than Houston Texans star J.J. Watt got on his own. It was the Falcons biggest focus this off season and they have seemed to addressed it. New coach Dan Quinn revamped the front 7 with the additions of Brooks Reed, Justin Durant, Adrian Clayborne and O’Brien Schofield. Although Reed will be inactive due to a groin injury, the Falcons will be eager to get after Bradford from the opening whistle.

The Eagles have had one of the best offensive lines in recent years featuring notorious pro-bowler Jason Peters, but they did take a slight step back last season. They also released guard Evan Mathis this off season, who has been one of the best guards in the league over the last few seasons. With this being Quinn’s first game at home on Monday Night Football, look for Atlanta to show different looks at Bradford and find creative ways to allow their pass rushers to get after the quarterback.

Julio Jones Will Have Over 200 Yards Receiving

Jones is coming off a career year in 2014, catching 104 balls for just under 1,600 yards, and it could have been more if it had not been for injuries. Jones is 100% healthy entering this season, and has built up a terrific chemistry with Matt Ryan since coming into the league. If he plays all 16 games this year, Jones is poised to possibly lead the whole NFL in receiving.

Atlanta just reached an agreement with the Alabama product on a 5-year contract extension worth over $70 million. He is going to come out and show the world why on Monday Night Football. The Eagles are going to be moving the ball, and moving it fast. The Falcons will have a lot of possessions and the contest looks to be a high scoring one. Last time Atlanta was featured on Monday Night Football was Week 15 in Lambeau Field. Jones caught 11 balls for 259 yards and a score in a 43-37 loss to the Packers. If the Falcons want to beat the Eagles at home, Jones will have to have a big game.

Tevin Coleman Will Rush For Over 100 Yards

Steven Jackson was the only Falcons back to eclipse the 100-yard mark on the ground last season, and that happened once in week 14 against the Cardinals. Jackson is no longer with the Falcons and the running back position has been a question mark all off season. The reigns have been handed to Tevin Coleman, since Devonta Freeman was unable to play in the preseason due to a hamstring injury.

Coleman was a 3rd-round pick in this year’s draft out of Indiana. He ran for over 2,000 yards for the Hoosier in the same type of zone blocking scheme the Falcons will be running this season. He was only able to play in the last preseason game because of a hamstring injury of his own, but he had 8 carries for 56 yards and looked capable of being the Falcons starter of the future. Coleman showcased tremendous explosiveness in college, and should be able to penetrate a vulnerable Eagles’ run defense.

Photographer: Ken Murray/Icon Sportswire

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