By Paul Bowman, Eagledelphia Managing Editor 
For the first time in history, the Philadelphia Eagles will begin a season looking to repeat as Super Bowl champions. On Thursday night, the Eagles kick off the NFL season with a matchup against the Falcons. Despite Carson Wentz remaining on the sideline and the NFL’s power rankings putting the Falcons above the Eagles, the home team is favored to win.
A Winning Record
The Eagles lead the Falcons throughout the history of the two teams matching up. The record stands at 19-14-1. The Eagles have also taken the last two matchups, the most recent being in the second round of the playoffs last season.
It’s Good To Be Home
Over the last two seasons, the Eagles have posted a 15-3 record at Lincoln Financial Field. Their lone home loss last season came in a meaningless game against the Cowboys after the Eagles had already secured home field advantage and played their backups for the majority of the game. The Eagles players have continuously talked about how the fan support at home and even traveling to away games. They will be looking for that support tonight while looking to put up the first win of the season.
A More Explosive Offense – At a Cost
The Falcons return most of their key offensive players. Matt Ryan, Julio Jones, Austin Hooper and Mohamed Sanu behind the same stout offensive line. Tevin Coleman and Devonte Freeman also return. The offense was already a high-powered group, but it became even more explosive with the addition of rookie wideout Calvin Ridley.
The focus on offense in Atlanta has left a bit of a drop off in the defense. Adrian Clayborn and Dontari Poe both left in free agency and were not replaced with players that are quite up to the same skill level as the two veterans and weakened the defensive front.
The matchup should result in a good game. Vic Beasley Jr. is still a massive force for the Atlanta front seven, but with a weakened defensive line and the Eagles light on wideouts, the Eagles could turn to the ground game and hope that the Jay Train is able to pick up a lot of steam for much of the game. Meanwhile, the Eagles defense has looked impressive all preseason and has seemingly improved over last season. Such an impressive defense facing off against the Falcons offense should result in a great game.
Injrury Report
Eagles
Carson Wentz, Alshon Jeffrey and Mack Hollins will all be out for this game. The Eagles will rest Wentz until he is 100% ready with minimal chance of reinjury. Jeffrey will sit out for similar reasons while Hollins continues to suffer from a hamstring injury. The two receivers being out is the reason the Eagles brought Markus Wheaton back and will test the Eagles offense with their preseason standouts being the only depth behind Nelson Agholor and Mike Wallace. The Eagles will likely look to Zach Ertz, Dallas Goedert, Wendell Smallwood, Darren Sproles and Corey Clement to be active in the passing game to help relieve pressure on the receiving core.
Also of note is the suspension of Nigel Bradham, leaving Nathan Gerry, LaRoy Reynolds and D.J. Alexander to rotate in his place. Bradham will return next week, but his absence is the only one on the defensive side of the ball outside those that will be out for at least six weeks.
Falcons
The Falcons will be without three depth pieces. Guard Ben Garland and cornerbacks Isaiah Oliver and Blidi Wreh-Wilson will be unavailable. Their absence may not make much impact to start, but should the Falcons secondary suffer any injuries, even a light receiving core has the chance to beat such a thin secondary.
The Falcons long snapper, Josh Harris, is also questionable to play. If he is not able to play, the Falcons may have trouble with extra points and field goals and may even opt for fourth-down and two-point attempts.
Broadcast Information
Time: 8:20 p.m.
TV: NBC
Radio: 94.1 FM WIP
Online: NFL Gamepass, Amazon Prime TV
