Eagles at Falcons
THE STORY: Michael Vick will make a second homecoming trip to Atlanta and, naturally, will be the center of attention – but for all the right reasons this time. Vick and the Dream Team otherwise known as the Philadelphia Eagles will visit the Georgia Dome for a high-profile, prime-time clash with the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday night. Vick, the No. 1 overall pick in 2001, was a huge fan favorite in his six seasons in Atlanta, earning three Pro Bowl berths before he was jailed for nearly two years on federal dogfighting charges. His replacement, Matt Ryan, has gone 20-2 at home in his first three seasons and is in need of win No. 21 to prevent the Falcons from falling to 0-2 after a lopsided 30-12 loss at Chicago last week.
TV: NBC, 8:20 p.m. ET. LINE: Eagles -2.5, O/U 49.5
ABOUT THE FALCONS (0-1): Atlanta posted the NFC’s best record with a 13-3 mark in 2010, but that proved to be ancient history as the Falcons were humbled by the Bears in their season opener. Atlanta failed to score an offensive touchdown and committed three turnovers, including a fumble by Ryan that was returned for a touchdown. Ryan also threw a first-quarter interception that led to a TD. RB Michael Turner rushed for 100 yards but it came on only 10 carries as Ryan went to the air 47 times. Rookie Julio Jones had five receptions for 71 yards in his NFL debut.
ABOUT THE EAGLES (1-0): Philadelphia started slowly before turning on the jets and pulling away for a 31-13 win at St. Louis in its opener. Vick was not especially sharp passing (14 of 32, 187 yards) but he threw for a pair of touchdowns and rushed for 97 yards. DeSean Jackson ignored his contract squabble to haul in six receptions for 102 yards and a TD while LeSean McCoy piled up 122 yards rushing and a TD on only 15 carries. He also caught a scoring pass. Philly’s defense racked up five sacks, including two by Jason Babin, but did surrender 156 yards rushing.
EXTRA POINTS:
1. The Eagles have dominated the Falcons in their last two meetings, winning 31-17 in Philadelphia last season and 34-9 in Atlanta in 2009. The Eagles have beaten the Falcons four straight times and are 8-1 against them under coach Andy Reid.
2. Ryan has thrown for 32 TDs and 12 interceptions in 22 home games. When he compiles a quarterback rating of 100 or higher, the Falcons are a perfect 16-0.
3. “That’s not my house. That’s Matt Ryan’s house. I’m just a visitor.” – Vick on returning to the Georgia Dome, where he played his first six seasons.