Eagle Scout: Eagles lack consistency Falcons have

The Falcons come in to Philadelphia riding a four-game winning streak and with variety on offense - a high-powered running game combined with some big-name passing weapons - and lacking any glaring weaknesses. Their defense has been stout against both the run and pass, helping them to a 4-1 record, tied for best in the NFL.

The Eagles, meanwhile, are full of contradictions. They have a shaky offensive line but still rank seventh in the NFL in scoring. Their defense looks strong one half and deficient the next.

Here is a look at the teams:

The Eagles haven't fixed their offensive-line problems, but they have become proficient counterpunchers when defenses blitz to take advantage.

The Eagles have thrown for three touchdowns against the blitz and have frequently exploited pass rushers with screens to LeSean McCoy, a reliable receiver and elusive runner, especially when he gets the ball in space. He is among the league leaders in yards after the catch.

When the team gets wide receivers DeSean Jackson or Jeremy Maclin in one-on-one coverage, both are capable of turning short passes into big gains. Perhaps that's why opponents have blitzed less in recent games and focused their coverage on Jackson.

The Eagles also have just four turnovers. Their only interception came on a Hail Mary.

The Eagles' defense has no fear of attacking the quarterback, though. It has 15 sacks, good for fifth in the NFL.

Of course, the Eagles can't always beat the blitz. They have given up 19 sacks and 33 quarterback hits, both tied for second worst in the NFL. And this week they will be without starting left tackle Jason Peters. Whatever problems he has had, he is clearly superior to his backup, King Dunlap, who yielded three sacks last week against the 49ers.

The Eagles' run defense ranks 24th in the NFL. In their first four games they gave up 132, 115, 139, and 169 yards. Last week, they improved, holding Frank Gore and the 49ers to just 74 yards.

Kickoff and punt coverage has also become a glaring problem, with big returns setting up three touchdowns the last two weeks.

The Falcons' running game will present another stiff test for the Eagles' front seven. Atlanta is tied for second in the NFL in rushing offense, averaging 148.8 yards per game, and has had six runs of 20 or more yards, tied for third best in the league.

As much as the Falcons succeed with the run, they are also stout against it. Their defense is giving up 86.6 yards per game, good for eighth in the NFL.

The secondary is more vulnerable, having yielded 223.4 yards per game, 19th in the league, but has made up for it with 10 interceptions, best in the NFL.

Nine different Falcons have picked off opposing quarterbacks. The team also has 11 sacks, tied for ninth in the league, to help harass passers.

The Falcons have allowed 15 points or fewer in four of their five games. They are second in the NFL in points allowed per game.

The Falcons have the pieces of a big passing game - quarterback Matt Ryan, wide receiver Roddy White, tight end Tony Gonzalez - but rank just 16th in passing yards per game, and their seven passing touchdowns are tied for 13th in the league. That's fine, but hardly fearsome. At least so far.

Despite their strong record, the Falcons have defeated only one quality opponent - the Saints. Their other wins have come against the Cardinals, who have since changed quarterbacks; the Browns, who played much of the game behind their backup quarterback; and the 0-5 49ers.