Atlanta Falcons vs Philadelphia Eagles Match Player Stats

On September 16, 2024, the Atlanta Falcons vs Philadelphia Eagles Match Player Stats at Lincoln Financial Field in a Monday Night Football clash that had fans on the edge of their seats. This game was a rollercoaster of emotions, with clutch plays, critical mistakes, and a dramatic finish that made it one of the most memorable games of the 2024 NFL season. In this article, we’ll dive into the key player stats, standout performances, and pivotal moments from this epic battle, breaking it all down in a way that’s easy to understand for fans of all ages. Whether you’re a die-hard NFL follower or just love a good sports story, we’ve got you covered with all the details from this unforgettable matchup.

Game Overview: A Nail-Biter in Philadelphia

The Atlanta Falcons entered Week 2 looking to bounce back from a disappointing 18-10 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, while the Eagles were riding high after a 34-29 victory over the Green Bay Packers in Brazil. The stage was set for a classic NFC showdown, with both teams hungry to prove themselves early in the season. The game, played in front of 69,879 roaring fans, lived up to the hype, featuring explosive plays, clutch moments, and a finish that no one saw coming.

The final score was Atlanta Falcons 22, Philadelphia Eagles 21, but the numbers only tell part of the story. The Eagles dominated possession, holding the ball for over 35 minutes compared to Atlanta’s 24 minutes. Yet, the Falcons’ efficiency, zero turnovers, and a game-changing drive led by quarterback Kirk Cousins flipped a 99.3% win probability in Philly’s favor into a shocking Atlanta victory. Let’s break down the player stats and key moments that made this game an instant classic.

Key Atlanta Falcons vs Philadelphia Eagles Match Player Stats

Before we dive into individual performances, let’s look at the team stats that shaped the game:

• Total Yards: Falcons 385, Eagles 365

• First Downs: Both teams had 22

• Turnovers: Falcons 0, Eagles 1

• Time of Possession: Eagles 35:39, Falcons 24:21

• Yards per Play: Falcons 6.6, Eagles 5.4

• Rushing Yards: Falcons 152, Eagles 167

• Passing Yards: Falcons 233, Eagles 198

Despite the Eagles’ edge in time of possession, the Falcons made the most of their opportunities, averaging more yards per play and avoiding costly mistakes. The Eagles’ lone turnover—a late interception—proved to be the difference in the game. Now, let’s spotlight the players who stood out on both sides.

Atlanta Falcons: Standout Player Stats

Kirk Cousins (Quarterback)

Kirk Cousins was the hero of the night, delivering a performance that justified Atlanta’s $180 million investment in him. Facing a 21-15 deficit with just 1:39 left and no timeouts, Cousins orchestrated a flawless 70-yard, six-play drive in just 65 seconds. He completed 5 of 6 passes on the game-winning drive, including a 7-yard touchdown pass to Drake London with 34 seconds remaining. Here are his key stats:

• Passing: 20/29, 241 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs, 117.2 passer rating

• Clutch Moment: Game-winning TD pass to Drake London

• Highlight: Went 5/6 for 70 yards on the final drive, defying a 99.3% loss probability

Cousins’ poise under pressure was remarkable. As Falcons coach Raheem Morris said, “He went out and played important in the biggest moments in the biggest times.” His ability to make quick, accurate throws against a tough Eagles defense was the key to Atlanta’s upset.

Bijan Robinson (Running Back)

Second-year running back Bijan Robinson was a dynamic force, outshining his counterpart Saquon Barkley with fewer touches. Robinson’s explosive runs set the tone for Atlanta’s ground game, especially in the third quarter, where he had four touches for 44 yards. His stats:

• Rushing: 14 carries, 97 yards, 6.9 yards per carry

• Receiving: 4 catches, 25 yards

• Highlight: A 14-yard rush in the second quarter that got Atlanta into the red zone

Robinson’s efficiency (6.9 yards per carry compared to Barkley’s 4.3) kept the Eagles’ defense on their heels, opening up opportunities for Cousins in the passing game.

Darnell Mooney (Wide Receiver)

Free agent signing Darnell Mooney proved his worth with a spectacular performance, including a 41-yard touchdown catch in the third quarter that shifted the game’s momentum. He broke free from coverage and somersaulted into the end zone, giving Atlanta a 15-10 lead. His stats:

• Receiving: 3 catches, 88 yards, 1 TD

• Highlight: 41-yard TD reception that forced Philly to adjust their game plan

Mooney’s big-play ability was a game-changer, stretching the Eagles’ defense and creating opportunities for other receivers.

Drake London (Wide Receiver)

Drake London sealed the victory with a precise 7-yard touchdown catch against Eagles corner Darius Slay. His route-running and reliable hands were crucial on the final drive. His stats:

• Receiving: 6 catches, 54 yards, 1 TD

• Highlight: Game-winning 7-yard TD with 34 seconds left

London’s clutch performance showed why he’s a cornerstone of Atlanta’s offense.

Jessie Bates III (Safety)

On defense, safety Jessie Bates III delivered the game-sealing play with an interception of Jalen Hurts with 27 seconds left. His 12 tackles led all players, and his physicality in breaking up passes was critical. His stats:

• Defensive: 12 tackles, 1 interception

• Highlight: Game-ending interception of Hurts’ deep pass to DeVonta Smith

Bates’ ability to read Hurts’ throw and make the play under pressure was the final nail in Philly’s coffin.

Younghoe Koo (Kicker)

Kicker Younghoe Koo was perfect under pressure, going 3/3 on field goals, including a clutch 48-yard extra point after a penalty pushed the attempt back. His stats:

• Kicking: 3/3 FGs (39, 34, 22 yards), 1/1 PAT

• Highlight: 48-yard PAT to secure the 22-21 lead

Koo’s reliability was crucial in a game decided by one point.

Philadelphia Eagles: Standout Player Stats

Jalen Hurts (Quarterback)

Jalen Hurts was a dual-threat dynamo, keeping the Eagles in the game with his arm and legs. However, a late interception proved costly. His stats:

• Passing: 23/30, 183 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, 88.6 passer rating

• Rushing: 13 carries, 85 yards, 1 TD

• Highlights: 23-yard run on 4th-and-3 and 15-yard run on 3rd-and-11; 7-yard TD pass to DeVonta Smith

• Lowlight: Interception to Jessie Bates III with 27 seconds left

Hurts’ versatility was on full display, especially on a 17-play, 70-yard drive in the fourth quarter that ended with his signature “tush push” touchdown. But his late mistake cost Philly the game.

Saquon Barkley (Running Back)

In his home debut for the Eagles, Saquon Barkley was a workhorse but made a critical error with a dropped pass on third-and-3 late in the fourth quarter. The drop forced Philly to settle for a field goal, leaving the door open for Atlanta’s comeback. His stats:

• Rushing: 22 carries, 95 yards, 4.3 yards per carry

• Receiving: 2 catches, 16 yards

• 2-Point Conversion: 1 successful attempt

• Lowlight: Dropped pass that could have sealed the game

Barkley later took responsibility, saying, “I dropped the ball, let my team down today. Shouldn’t have put the defense in that position.” Despite the mistake, his 111 total yards kept the Eagles’ offense moving.

DeVonta Smith (Wide Receiver)

DeVonta Smith was Hurts’ go-to target, hauling in a touchdown and making key catches throughout the game. His stats:

• Receiving: 7 catches, 76 yards, 1 TD

• Highlight: 7-yard TD catch in the second quarter

Smith’s reliability was a bright spot for Philly, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the late-game collapse.

C.J. Gardner-Johnson (Safety)

Defensively, C.J. Gardner-Johnson made a huge play by stopping Bijan Robinson on a 4th-and-1 at the Atlanta 39 with 5:38 left, giving Philly the ball back. However, his impact was overshadowed by Atlanta’s final drive. His stats:

• Defensive: 6 tackles, 1 tackle for loss

• Highlight: 4th-and-1 stop on Robinson

Gardner-Johnson’s effort wasn’t enough to counter the Eagles’ defensive struggles, particularly their lackluster pass rush.

Jake Elliott (Kicker)

Kicker Jake Elliott was perfect on his attempts, but his 28-yard field goal with 1:39 left wasn’t enough to seal the victory. His stats:

• Kicking: 2/2 FGs (29, 28 yards), 2/2 PATs

• Highlight: 29-yard FG in the third quarter to keep Philly close

Elliott did his job, but the offense’s inability to close out the game put too much pressure on the defense.

Pivotal Moments That Defined the Game

This game was full of turning points that kept fans glued to their screens. Here’s a quick recap of the moments that shaped the outcome:

• Second Quarter: The Eagles took a 7-3 lead with a 7-yard touchdown pass from Hurts to Smith, but Atlanta answered with a 39-yard field goal from Koo, making it 7-6 at halftime.

• Third Quarter: Darnell Mooney’s 41-yard touchdown catch gave Atlanta a 15-10 lead, forcing Philly to play catch-up.

• Fourth Quarter: Hurts’ 1-yard “tush push” touchdown and Barkley’s 2-point conversion put Philly up 18-15 with 6:47 left. Gardner-Johnson’s 4th-and-1 stop on Robinson seemed to seal the deal, but Barkley’s dropped pass on third-and-3 led to Elliott’s 28-yard field goal, making it 21-15.

• Final Drive: Cousins’ 70-yard, 65-second drive ended with London’s 7-yard touchdown. Koo’s 48-yard extra point gave Atlanta a 22-21 lead.

• Game-Sealing Play: Bates’ interception of Hurts with 27 seconds left ended Philly’s hopes.

Why the Falcons Won

The Falcons’ victory came down to three key factors:

1. Clutch Execution: Cousins’ game-winning drive and Bates’ interception showed Atlanta’s ability to perform under pressure.

2. Efficiency: Despite less possession time, the Falcons averaged 6.6 yards per play and had zero turnovers.

3. Explosive Plays: Mooney’s 41-yard touchdown and Robinson’s 6.9 yards per carry stretched Philly’s defense thin.

As Coach Morris put it, “Efficiency beats possession, and clutch execution trumps clock control.” Atlanta made the most of their opportunities, while Philly’s conservative approach and late mistakes cost them dearly.

What Went Wrong for the Eagles?

The Eagles’ loss exposed some glaring issues:

• Late-Game Execution: Barkley’s dropped pass and Hurts’ interception were critical errors in crunch time.

• Pass Rush Struggles: Philly’s defense managed just one sack and one quarterback hit on Cousins, allowing him clean pockets to dissect their secondary.

• Missed Opportunities: The Eagles’ 17-play, 70-yard drive in the fourth quarter was impressive, but settling for a field goal after Barkley’s drop left the door open for Atlanta.

Head Coach Nick Sirianni took responsibility, saying, “They made a couple more plays than we did down the stretch. That’s on all of us, it starts with coaching and goes to the players.”

Key Atlanta Falcons vs Philadelphia Eagles Match Player Stats for Fans

This game was a reminder that in the NFL, no lead is safe until the final whistle. For Falcons fans, it was a statement win that proved their team can compete in hostile environments. For Eagles fans, it was a frustrating lesson in the importance of closing out tight games. The matchup also highlighted the impact of individual performances—whether it’s Cousins’ clutch throws, Bates’ game-sealing pick, or Barkley’s costly drop.

For those who love stats, here’s a quick table summarizing the top performers:

Player	Team	Key Stats
Kirk Cousins	Falcons	241 pass yds, 2 TDs, 117.2 rating
Bijan Robinson	Falcons	97 rush yds, 6.9 ypc, 25 rec yds
Darnell Mooney	Falcons	88 rec yds, 1 TD
Drake London	Falcons	54 rec yds, 1 TD
Jessie Bates III	Falcons	12 tackles, 1 INT
Jalen Hurts	Eagles	183 pass yds, 1 TD, 1 INT, 85 rush yds, 1 TD
Saquon Barkley	Eagles	95 rush yds, 16 rec yds, 1 2-pt conversion
DeVonta Smith	Eagles	76 rec yds, 1 TD
C.J. Gardner-Johnson	Eagles	6 tackles, 1 TFL

Looking Ahead

For the Falcons, this win provides a crucial tiebreaker in the NFC playoff race and boosts confidence as they head into the rest of the season. For the Eagles, it’s a wake-up call to fix their late-game execution and pass rush issues, especially with star receiver A.J. Brown sidelined by a hamstring injury. Both teams showed they have the talent to compete at a high level, but Atlanta’s ability to seize the moment made all the difference.