While the Philadelphia Eagles’ high-flying attack needed a half to get into rhythm, the Atlanta Falcons leaned on the constant dominance of Julio Jones in their 26-24 win to start the season.
The star wide receiver terrorised Philadelphia’s secondary all night, showing exactly why he was given a massive contract last month.
Jones, who signed a $71.25 million extension over five years with $47m guaranteed, hauled in nine passes from quarterback Matt Ryan for 141 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
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New Eagles cornerback Byron Maxwell, along with the rest of the defensive backs, had no answer for the Pro Bowl wideout as he reeled in scores of four and 22 yards, as well as a 44-yarder on one of the final drives to set up Matt Bryant’s game-winning field goal.
“It’s just that he doesn’t back down,” Atlanta coach Dan Quinn, who earned a victory in his head coaching debut, said of Jones.
“Any challenge there, he’s ready to go. It’s one of the things that I most respect about his game.
“He’s one of those kinds of competitors that is ready for it every time. He’s the guy that wants it thrown to him and wants to take the last shot. I can’t say enough about him as a competitor.”
Jones was primed for a monster campaign coming into the season with Kyle Shanahan taking over as the Falcons’ offensive coordinator.
Shanahan’s scheme, which emp-hasises the X-receiver by moving him around all over the field and in motion, will afford Jones plenty of opportunities in the passing game.
Philadelphia’s up-tempo offence, meanwhile, didn’t get into full-gear until the second half.
Quarterback Sam Bradford, in his first appearance for the Eagles, didn’t display the same accuracy as he did in the preseason during the first half, completing 15-of-27 passes for 117 yards an interception.
Following the intermission, Bradford dissected Atlanta’s defence with quick underneath throws, completing 21-of-25 passes for 219 yards, a touchdown and
interception.
His one mistake was more than fault of wide receiver Jordan Matthews, who had the ball bounce off his hands and picked off to end the Eagles’ comeback charge.
Despite just 63 yards on the ground from 16 carries, including only nine yards by last year’s league-leading rusher DeMarco Murray, Philadelphia’s air raid was unstoppable for stretches.
“The second half was a blast,” Bradford said. “Once we got things rolling and we took the lead, I don’t know if I’ve been that excited in a long time. It’s good to get that feeling. Now maybe next week, we can start a little faster.”
Tevin Coleman and Nelson Agholor, rookies on both sides who figured to have prominent roles for their respective offences, had differing performances. Coleman was Atlanta’s lead-back with a game-high 20 carries for 80 yards, while Eagles wide receiver Agholor saw just two targets for one reception.
