Falcons vs. Eagles: Who was the defensive player of the game?

Going into this game, yours truly felt like the Eagles and Falcons offenses were going to dominate the night. Of course, Atlanta end up grabbing three interceptions, while pressuring Carson Wentz all night against an offensive line that is one of the best in the league.

It was an impressive performance with multiple guys delivering in a big, big way. Here are your candidates for defensive player of the game.

Desmond Trufant

It’s nice to see Trufant returning to his Pro Bowl form this season. After a couple of rough years, Tru has settled back in to his role as a legit CB1 on this defense. He shocked Falcons fans by grabbing not one — but TWO interceptions on the evening, helping to limit the damage Wentz and company would do. It was an impressive game for him and a reminder that he still has plenty to offer.

Grady Jarrett

Do I include Jarrett too often on these lists? I’d say no, because yet again he was one of the most dominant forces in the game. Stats never tell the whole story (though he did get a sack) as Grady was constantly wrecking the interior of the Eagles offensive line. His new contract is already looking like a bargain with his elevated level of play. He’s arguably one of the most important players on this defense and his ability to deliver every single week is simply remarkable.

Takkarist McKinley

Carson Wentz is probably waking up with nightmares of McKinley for the rest of the week. Takk didn’t put up significant stats, but anyone watching the game could tell you that he was a wrecking ball all evening. He repeatedly chased down Wentz, hitting him multiple times and forcing several errant throws. If this was any other QB, there’s a good chance Takk finishes the night with two or more sacks. What an impressive performance from the third-year pass rusher.

Keanu Neal

After a rough opening game, Neal bounced back in impressive fashion. He had eight tackles on the evening and helped to keep Zach Ertz quiet for most of the game. It was encouraging to see the hard-hitting safety playing at such a high level again, especially coming off the torn ACL from 2018. Let’s hope we continue to see Neal execute at this level.

Other?

Honestly, you can add several other names as legitimate candidates. Isaiah Oliver bounced back and had a really strong game overall, including the key tackle that kept the Eagles from converting a late fourth down. Deion Jones was a force against the run and the pass yet again. Ricardo Allen was roaming the field and delivering big hits. Take your pick and let us know who you would consider in our comments below.

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