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It’s here. It’s finally here. Like your tax refund or the food delivery guy to provide sustenance after a long night out. Like Diablo III or the afternoon you can finally go outside without being smothered by oppressive humidity. Yes, folks: It’s game day. Dust off whatever stress management device you prefer, put on your drinkin’ shoes, and gorge on the latest Falcoholinks before we take on the Eagles tonight.
Eagles limping as Falcons stroll in
The Atlanta Falcons are in pretty good shape as they head to Lincoln Financial Field, while the Eagles are dealing with a multitude of injuries among key starters. Most noteworthy, of course, are Carson Wentz and Alshon Jeffery, which leaves the Eagles’ offensive potential as a question mark in this one.
The Eagles have ruled our WR Alshon Jeffery, WR Mack Hollins and QB Carson Wentz.
— Kelsey Conway (@FalconsKelsey) September 5, 2018
The Falcons have ruled out G Ben Garland, CB Isaiah Oliver and CB Blidi Week-Wilson#ATLvsPHI
Both teams released their final injury reports, and while Ben Garland, Isaiah Oliver, and Blidi Wreh-Wilson will miss the opener, the Falcons are predominately healthy in all phases of the game.
Bird Battle Point-Counterpoint
Dave indulged his masochistic side and headed over to Bleeding Green Nation to provide three reasons why the Falcons will leave Philly angry and sad. It’s a bleak-yet-informative read, one we collectively hope doesn’t come to fruition.
But that’s not all! Brandon Gowton of BGN joined us over here on friendlier territory and gave these three reasons the Eagles will lose tonight. They involve hangovers and Nick Foles, and as my hangover was a direct result of Nick Foles the last time these teams met, that seems to check out.
Knapp time?
Jeff Schultz over at The Athletic does yeoman’s work covering Atlanta sports, and his latest piece expounds on a thought we’ve entertained since the Falcons brought back Greg Knapp: that Knapp will have a heavy role in the offensive scheming.
Good morning >> Schultz: Falcons' Super Bowl chances come down to Sarkisian and offense https://t.co/NBq9ekzWo7
— Jeff Schultz (@JeffSchultzATL) September 5, 2018
The Falcoholic’s Cory Woodroof explored this a bit more, and spelled out what it could mean for the coaching arrangement going forward.
The Falcoholic Podcast Ep. 48
This week DW and Jeanna Thomas were joined by honorary Falcoholic Michael Kelly, die-hard Birds fan and everyone’s favorite sociopathic fixer on Netflix’s House of Cards. Come for the banter, stay for the analysis, and let’s all agree that the Bucs, Panthers and Saints are all trash. This week’s topics include a preview of tonight’s game in Philly, a look at Atlanta’s defensive potential this season, and why this game will be won in the trenches. Be sure to give it a listen here, and thanks to Michael for joining the show!