South Atlanta News

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — With the Atlanta Falcons set to face the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night Football in Week 2, a preview of the prime-time matchup is necessary.

Here are six key points to watch for at 8:15 ET this Monday:

**Health Update**

The Falcons will be without inside linebacker Nate Landman for the game against the Eagles. Landman has been dealing with a quad injury and was recently listed with a calf injury as well. After not practicing throughout Week 2, Raheem Morris ruled him out for Monday's game.

Kaden Elliss and Troy Andersen were always slated to start, but Landman's absence affects the rotation as he played 54% of defensive snaps against the Steelers last Sunday. JD Bertrand will provide depth at the position since the Falcons are only carrying three inside linebackers to Philadelphia.

For the Eagles, receiver A.J. Brown has been downgraded to out due to a hamstring strain. Brown did not participate in Saturday's final practice of Week 2 and will miss Monday's game. His backup Johnny Wilson also has a hamstring injury and is listed as questionable.

**Stopping Saquon, Containing Hurts**

The Falcons face another scrambling quarterback and top-tier running back this week in Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley. Barkley debuted with three touchdowns and 109 rushing yards in Week 1, earning NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors. Hurts recorded 278 passing yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions.

"The first thing we got to do is make (Hurts) stay in the pocket," assistant head coach/defense Jerry Gray said Friday.

Defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake emphasized that stopping Barkley requires teamwork: "We can't leave it on one player to get him down on the ground."

Falcons safety Justin Simmons added, "In order to win in that stadium, we're going to have to have a heck of a defensive outing."

**Falcons Offense on the Rebound**

The Falcons' offensive performance in Week 1 raised many questions about Kirk Cousins' health and play-calling strategies. Zac Robinson explained his offensive philosophy while Cousins confirmed his health status.

Cousins acknowledged last Sunday's performance was subpar: "I've got to play better... I've got to operate better."

**The JB3+JS31 Effect**

Arthur Smith’s strategy kept Pittsburgh from challenging Atlanta’s safeties through the middle of the field last week. The Falcons defense allowed only 133 passing yards, which was fifth-fewest in the league last week.

**Falcons Back in Prime Time**

Monday marks Atlanta's first prime-time appearance since losing to Carolina Panthers in Week 10 of 2022. Since 2020, they have played four prime-time games compared to Philadelphia’s twenty appearances.

"Last year... we were playing at 1 o'clock every week," Bates said this week. "But it's pretty cool... where the whole world is watching."

**Player of The Game Prediction: Kirk Cousins**

Cousins aims for a bounce-back performance after throwing two interceptions and one touchdown last Sunday. Reflecting on past performances like his stellar game against San Francisco before his Achilles injury in 2023, Cousins believes he can improve significantly this time around.

"You cannot beat yourself," Cousins said Thursday, stressing clean operation as key for success on Monday night.