Grayson's Grades: Evaluating Eagles vs. Falcons
The Philadelphia Eagles, fresh off their Super Bowl victory, kicked off the 2023 season with a resounding 31-7 victory over the Atlanta Falcons. While the game itself was a comfortable win, there were still some individual performances that stood out, both positively and negatively. Let's delve into the individual performances and see who earns a "Grayson's Grade" for their efforts.
Offense:
Jalen Hurts (A+): The reigning MVP showed no signs of slowing down. Hurts effortlessly carved up the Falcons defense, completing 24 of 35 passes for 279 yards and 2 touchdowns. He also added 57 yards and a touchdown on the ground, showcasing his dual-threat abilities.
A.J. Brown (A+): The big-play receiver continues to be Hurts' favorite target. He finished with 9 receptions for 104 yards and a touchdown. Brown's ability to consistently win deep matchups against the Falcons secondary was a huge factor in the Eagles' success.
DeVonta Smith (A): The "Slim Reaper" continued to be a reliable target, making some impressive grabs in traffic. He finished with 5 catches for 56 yards.
Miles Sanders (B+): Sanders showed his explosiveness on limited carries, rushing for 59 yards on 12 attempts. He also contributed a touchdown, showcasing his ability to be a reliable backfield option for the Eagles.
Offensive Line (A): The Eagles' offensive line provided Hurts with all the time he needed to work his magic. They also opened up holes for Sanders, allowing the running game to be a major force in the victory.
Defense:
Fletcher Cox (A): The veteran defensive tackle had a dominant game, disrupting the Falcons' offensive rhythm. His presence in the middle of the defensive line was crucial in limiting the Falcons to just 7 points.
Nakobe Dean (A-): The young linebacker showed his athleticism and instincts, making several impactful plays. He finished the game with 9 tackles, including 2 for a loss.
Darius Slay (B+): Slay had a solid game, making several key interceptions and preventing big plays for the Falcons.
Javon Hargrave (B+): Hargrave continued his impressive form from the previous season, adding another sack to his arsenal.
Defensive Line (B): The Eagles' defensive line played well as a unit, generating pressure on the Falcons' quarterbacks and creating havoc in the backfield.
Special Teams (A): The Eagles' special teams unit played a vital role in the win, with the kick return unit setting up good field position and the punting unit limiting Atlanta's chances of gaining momentum.
Overall, the Eagles dominated the game, demonstrating their strength and depth throughout the roster.
Next Up: The Eagles will face the Minnesota Vikings in a highly anticipated Week 2 matchup. This game will be a true test of their mettle and will provide an excellent indication of their potential for another deep playoff run.
