Eagles 31 Falcons 35

The 'Game of the Week' for week 2 took place in the Georgia Dome on Sunday Night Football.  The Eagles and the Falcons are expected to be 2 of the top teams in the NFC, and this was seen as an early look at a possible playoff game in January.  The Falcons needed to bounce back following last weeks loss in Chicago, and the 'dream team' Eagles were looking to get their 2nd road win of the year.  The added storyline here was the return of QB Michael Vick to Atlanta.  Vick hadn't played in Atlanta since he was sacked by the team, following his conviction, and subsequent jailing, for dog fighting activities.

Vick left the field with a concussion

As expected, Vick heard the boos from the Atlanta crowd that used to worship him, from the first time he stepped on the field.  It didn't bother Vick though, as he threw for 242 yards and 2 TD's in the first 3 quarters.  On a play late in the 3rd quarter, Vick dropped back to pass, before being hit by a couple of Atlanta defenders, and his head bounced off one of his OL.  Vick fell to the floor and suffered a concussion.  As he was walking to the locker room, the Atlanta crowd jeered him, before Vick reminded them, with a point to the scoreboard, that the Eagles were up by 10 points.  Backup QB Vince Young was inactive due to a hamstring injury, so it was up to 3rd string QB Mike Kafka, to preserve the Eagles lead.

The Eagles played very well throughout this game.  RB LeSean McCoy ran for 95 yards, but it was the DL that was really impressive.  DE Trent Cole in particular was causing chaos in the Falcons backfield.  But it was the turnovers that finally cost the Eagles.  Vick threw an INT, and lost 2 fumbles, all leaving Eagles points on the field.  Falcons QB Matt Ryan didn't have the best day through the air, throwing for just 195 yards, but he did have 4 TD passes.  RB Michael Turner really helped the Falcons cause in their comeback.  He had a total of 114 yards including a 61 yard run that helped set up the game winning TD.

Kafka almost led the Eagles to victory

The Eagles did have one last chance to sneak the win, in the last 4 minutes.  Kafka had to start from his own 9, but put together a great drive, including a 43 yard pass completion to WR Jeremy Maclin.  It was 4th and 4 at the Atlanta 4 with just under 2 minutes left when Kafka dropped back to pass, hitting Maclin in the chest, and the ball fell to the ground sealing the win for the Falcons. 

This win was a great reaction by the Falcons following last week, and has made me feel alot better about them being my Superbowl pick.  The Eagles are a very talented team, and will win alot of games as the season goes on.  I would love to see this match up again in January.