Early Birds: Eagles-Falcons predictions
1. How will the Eagles offense do?
Jeff McLane: Atlanta's defense was 24th in the NFL in terms of yards allowed last season, but fifth in points, which suggests a bend-but-don't-break unit. The Falcons made some changes in personnel, but the biggest change this offseason for the defense might have been at head coach. Dan Quinn was previously the defensive coordinator with the Seahawks and he was a darn good one. Seattle did a number on the Eagles last season. But Quinn doesn't have that kind of talent in Atlanta. Defenses have struggled with the Eagles' pace in the last two season openers. I see no reason to think they won't have Quinn's unit on their heels.
Zach Berman: The Eagles should be able to move the ball effectively on Monday. I don't put much into the Falcons' defensive results from last year because there's a new scheme and new personnel, as you mentioned. The key for the Eagles is going to be running the ball and the matchup in the slot. The Falcons have three new starters on their defensive line, but they have a lot of size in the middle. I expect DeMarco Murray and Ryan Mathews to be the offensive leaders. Falcons cornerback Desmond Trufant is one of the top young cornerbacks in the league, which is why the Eagles can do their damage in the passing game in the middle of the field. Pay attention to Jordan Matthews and Darren Sproles out of the slot. It will be loud in the Georgia Dome, so watch how Sam Bradford works with a silent count.
2. How will the defense do?
Jeff McLane: If the Eagles can slow Julio Jones, they'll do just fine. Even if the Falcons receiver gets his catches and yards, the Eagles could still certainly pull out the win. But if Jones goes off like he's capable of doing – I'm talking 10-plus catches, 200 yards, two TDs – it could be a long night for Bill Davis' defense. It'll be tough for Davis to have Byron Maxwell shadow Jones because Roddy White is no slouch on the other side, but if there's a corner that can follow him inside and out it's Maxwell. Up front, the Eagles have a decided advantage and could make getting the ball to Jones and White difficult for Matt Ryan.
Zach Berman: This is where the game will be decided. The Eagles' secondary has a major test against Atlanta's passing game, and if they struggle, it does not necessarily mean that the secondary is going to have a bad season. It would just mean they succumb to one of the best quarterback-receiver duos in the NFL. Maxwell does not expect to follow Jones around the field and instead thinks he will stick to a side. So watch what happens when Jones is on the other side of the field – or even in the slot – and Maxwell is not on him. Ryan is so much better at home than on the road – he is 39-15 at the Georgia Dome with 88 touchdowns and 36 interceptions. The key for the Eagles will be pressuring Ryan because the Falcons' offensive line could be overwhelmed. The Falcons' running game is an unknown, with rookie Tevin Coleman expected to start. But the Eagles have a strong run defense. If the Falcons pull off the upset, it will be because of their passing game – not their running game.
3. Who's a player to watch?
Jeff McLane: Bennie Logan may have had the best preseason of any of the Eagles defenders. It was only a snippet of plays, but the Eagles nose tackle was downright dominant against the run. Logan looks faster and stronger than he did in his first two seasons. It's possible the Eagles will have an advantage with each of their linemen, including the edge-setting outside linebackers, against the Falcons offensive line and blocking tight ends. Logan will see a lot of center Mike Person and left guard Andy Levitre, formerly of the Titans, on Monday night. I like that matchup for Logan.
Zach Berman: I'm curious to see how right tackle Lane Johnson handles Vic Beasley when Beasley rushes from the left side. Johnson is poised to take major strides in his development this season after missing the first four games last season, but this is a unique matchup. Beasley, the No. 8 pick in the draft, ran a 4.53-second 40-yard dash at the combine. That's elite speed coming around the edge. Johnson is one of the league's most athletic linemen, so that should make for intriguing matchup.
4. What's your prediction?
Jeff McLane: I see a high-scoring affair. I think Chip Kelly won't have to worry about Bradford coming out flat like Nick Foles did in the first half of last year's opener. He'll be aided by the running game and probably won't have to drop a ton. But I also see Ryan moving the chains on this defense considering all the new parts. I think the Eagles jump ahead early and hang on to open with a victory. Eagles, 34-27.
Zach Berman: I think the Eagles are the better team and have the better season. And if this game were in Philadelphia in October, I'd expect an easy Eagles win. But the Falcons' offense is so much better at home than on the road, and I think this a difficult game for the Eagles to prepare for because of Atlanta's new coaching staff. This one could go either way, but I'll stick to my preseason prediction of the Eagles losing the opener and then winning their next six games. Give me Falcons 34, Eagles 31.