Atlanta Falcons vs Philadelphia Eagles Match Player Stats

Hey there, football fans! If you’re anything like me, you love diving into the nitty-gritty of NFL games—especially when it’s a nail-biter like the Atlanta Falcons vs Philadelphia Eagles Match Player Stats on September 16, 2024. This Week 2 clash was pure drama: a last-second touchdown, a game-sealing interception, and stats that tell the story of two evenly matched teams. The Falcons pulled off an upset 22-21 win at Lincoln Financial Field, proving that in the NFL, anything can happen. Whether you’re a die-hard Eagles supporter scratching your head or a Falcons fan celebrating, let’s break down the player stats in a way that’s easy to follow. I’ll keep it straightforward, like chatting with a buddy over wings, and use tables to make those numbers pop. By the end, you’ll see why this game had everyone talking about Atlanta Falcons vs Philadelphia Eagles Match Player Stats for weeks.

Setting the Scene: Why This Game Mattered

Picture this: The Eagles, fresh off a gritty win in Brazil against the Packers, were riding high as NFC East favorites. Saquon Barkley was the talk of the town after his three-touchdown debut, and Jalen Hurts looked ready to dominate at home. Meanwhile, the Falcons were licking their wounds from a lackluster opener against the Steelers, where new QB Kirk Cousins struggled in his Atlanta debut. Oddsmakers had Philly as heavy favorites (-6 spread), but football’s full of surprises.

From the kickoff, defenses ruled the day. Both teams traded field goals early, but the real fireworks came in the fourth quarter. The Eagles led 21-15 with under two minutes left, holding a 99.3% win probability according to NFL Next Gen Stats. But Cousins orchestrated a 70-yard touchdown drive, capping it with a 7-yard strike to Drake London. Younghoe Koo’s extra point (from 48 yards after a penalty) gave Atlanta the edge. Then, Jessie Bates III’s pick sealed it. It was the seventh-most unlikely comeback since 2016! Now, let’s get into those Atlanta Falcons vs Philadelphia Eagles match player stats that made it all possible.

Quarterback Showdown: Atlanta Falcons vs Philadelphia Eagles Match Player Stats

No NFL game is complete without spotlighting the quarterbacks, and this one delivered. Kirk Cousins bounced back big-time after a shaky Week 1 (155 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs). Against Philly, he was surgical when it counted, finishing 20-of-29 for 241 yards and 2 touchdowns. His completion percentage? A crisp 69%. No interceptions, and he avoided sacks thanks to quick decisions and protection from the O-line. That final drive? 5-of-6 for 70 yards in just 1:05—clutch as it gets.

Jalen Hurts, the Eagles’ dual-threat star, was efficient too, going 23-of-30 for 212 yards, 1 TD, and 1 INT. His 76.7% completion rate was elite, but he couldn’t close it out. Hurts added 34 rushing yards on 6 carries, including a 1-yard tush-push TD. Still, that late interception to DeVonta Smith was costly. Both QBs had passer ratings over 100 (Cousins 112.5, Hurts 102.8), but Cousins’ poise won the day.

Here’s a quick table comparing their stats:

These numbers show why QBs like these two keep fans glued to their seats. Cousins’ arm looked vintage, while Hurts’ mobility kept Philly in control for most of the game.

Running Backs Battle: Robinson Edges Barkley

The ground game was a highlight, with both backs shining despite the tight score. Bijan Robinson lived up to his draft hype for Atlanta, rushing 14 times for 94 yards (6.7 yards per carry). He added 5 catches for 59 yards, showing his versatility as a receiver out of the backfield. Robinson’s explosive runs—like a 25-yarder in the third quarter—set up big plays and kept the chains moving. His total 153 scrimmage yards were a game-high.

Saquon Barkley, in his home Eagles debut, was solid but not spectacular after his Week 1 explosion (109 yards, 3 TDs). He carried 22 times for 95 yards (4.3 YPC) and caught 5 passes for 25 yards. Barkley’s consecutive 9-yard runs early in the second quarter got Philly fans roaring, and he scored the go-ahead TD on a 2-point conversion leap. But that dropped pass late? Ouch—it forced a field goal instead of a first down, giving Atlanta life.

Check out this side-by-side:

Robinson’s efficiency (higher YPC) gave the Falcons better field position, while Barkley’s volume (more carries) highlighted Philly’s time-of-possession edge (35:14 to Atlanta’s 24:46). It’s a reminder that yards per carry can matter more than total yards in close games.

Wide Receivers and Tight Ends: Mooney and London Steal the Show

Without Philly’s A.J. Brown (injured), the Eagles leaned on DeVonta Smith and Dallas Goedert. Smith had a team-high 7 catches for 64 yards and his only TD—a 7-yarder in the second quarter. Goedert chipped in with 6 receptions for 44 yards, providing reliable targets underneath. Jahan Dotson added 3 catches for 38 yards, but the passing game lacked its usual deep threats.

For Atlanta, Darnell Mooney was the star, hauling in 3 catches for 88 yards, including a 41-yard TD bomb in the third quarter that flipped momentum. Drake London sealed his hero status with 6 receptions for 54 yards, capped by that game-winning 7-yard score. Kyle Pitts, Atlanta’s tight end, had a quieter night with 4 catches for 36 yards—no TDs, but he blocked well.

Here’s a table of the top pass-catchers:

Mooney’s big-play ability (29.3 yards per catch) exploited Philly’s secondary, while Smith’s consistency kept the Eagles’ offense humming. These Atlanta Falcons vs Philadelphia Eagles Match Player Stats underscore how explosive receivers can swing games.

Defensive Stars: Bates’ Pick Seals Falcons’ Upset

Defense won this one early, but Atlanta’s unit stepped up late. Jessie Bates III was everywhere, finishing with 6 tackles, 1 interception (the game-ender), and a pass deflection. His pick off Hurts with 27 seconds left was textbook—reading the QB’s eyes and undercutting the route. Kaden Elliss added 7 tackles and a sack, pressuring Hurts into mistakes.

Philly’s defense, led by new coordinator Vic Fangio, had flashes but faltered down the stretch. No sacks on Cousins, and they allowed 299 total yards. C.J. Gardner-Johnson had 8 tackles and a key fourth-down stop, but penalties (9 for 53 yards total for Philly) hurt. Josh Sweat recorded the Eagles’ only sack.

Top defensive performers in a table:

Bates’ interception shifted win probability by 100%, turning a sure Eagles win into Atlanta’s miracle. It’s why he’s one of the league’s top safeties.

Special Teams: Koo’s Leg Makes the Difference

Kickers often decide close games, and this was no exception. Younghoe Koo was perfect: 3-of-3 on field goals (39, 22, and 34 yards) and that 48-yard extra point after London’s TD. His accuracy under pressure was huge.

Jake Elliott went 1-of-1 on FGs (28 yards) but missed a chance at a game-sealer. Punting was even, with Atlanta’s Bradley Pinion averaging 45.5 yards on 4 punts, and Philly’s Braden Mann at 46.8 on 3.

Special teams stats:

Koo’s reliability (he’s 15-of-15 on FGs this season so far) gave Atlanta the edge in a one-point thriller.

Team Totals: Efficiency Over Possession

Wrapping up the big picture, Atlanta outgained Philly 299-280 in total yards but won the efficiency battle (6.1 yards per play vs. 5.4). The Falcons had 25 first downs to Philly’s 24, and no turnovers (Eagles had 1). Rushing: ATL 158 yards on 24 carries; PHI 135 on 28. Passing: ATL 241; PHI 212.

Full team comparison table:

These Atlanta Falcons vs Philadelphia Eagles match player stats highlight how Atlanta turned the tide with big plays, despite Philly’s clock control.

What the Stats Tell Us About the Future

This game wasn’t just about numbers—it’s a blueprint for both teams. For the Falcons (1-1), Cousins’ resurgence and Robinson’s burstiness signal playoff potential in the weak NFC South. But they need consistency after that Week 1 dud. Philly (1-1) dominated possession but couldn’t finish; Barkley’s drop and Hurts’ INT exposed closing issues. Without Brown, their passing lacked punch—something to watch.