Falcoholinks: All the Falcons news you need for Friday, Sept. 10

It’s a Falcons Football Weekend, at long last. Whether that’s a good or bad thing is intensely personal, but we have the links to properly prepare you for Sunday’s tilt against Philadelphia.

Eagles on deck for Week 1

A Bird Battle is in the offing for Week 1 of the Atlanta Falcons season, as they take on the Philadelphia Eagles at The Benz on Sunday to start their 2021 campaign.

It’s the first official test of the new regime with its newly installed offensive and defensive schemes. Other than the primarily starter-less preseason, we’ve had no litmus test for how these teams match up compared to 2020 — but we’ll find out in short order.

The Falcons look poised to enter this one with their starting core intact, as yesterday’s injury report only listed LB Brandon Copeland as limited and Grady Jarrett as not practicing due to a personal matter.

Trial by fire

With the injury to leading left guard candidate Josh Andrews, rookie Jaylen Mayfield has been tabbed as the starter in Sunday’s game against the Eagles. He’ll have a tall order ahead of him, as defending defensive tackle Fletcher Cox is no simple assignment.

It’s our big question of the week: Is Jaylen Mayfield up to the task at hand?

Ridley ready

Wide receiver Calvin Ridley enters this season as Atlanta’s top wide receiver — a role he assumed last year by default due to Julio Jones’ injury. He flourished with the unexpected responsibility of carrying the offensive attack over the air, tallying 1,374 yards and nine touchdowns, and our Allen Strk writes that the best is yet to come from Ridley.

TE Parker Hesse activated

Reserve tight end Parker Hesse was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list, so he will be available against the Eagles.

The History of the Atlanta Falcons doc

Have you been watching Secret Base’s exceptional documentary series on the history of the Atlanta Falcons? No? Well, there’s plenty of time to catch up between now and Sunday. Also, it ends as sadly as you assumed it would.

The Falcoholic Podcast

So what are our expectations for this revamped roster in Week 1? The Falcoholic Podcast was joined by Atlanta’s FOX 5 to discuss the team’s debut against the Eagles.