Michael Vick is doubtful as the Philadelphia Eagles play host to the Atlanta Falcons
Many would have loved to see Philadelphia Eagles' quarterback, Michael Vick, go up against his old team, the Atlanta Falcons, but Vick is doubtful for the game as he continues to recover from a rib injury. The Eagles host the Falcons this Sunday as each
team looks to continue winning.
Recent records
Since losing to the Pittsburgh Steelers in their season opener, the Atlanta Falcons are undefeated and have soared to the top of the NFC South, even defeating division rivals and reigning Super Bowl champs, the New Orleans Saints.
The Eagles have had some ups and downs especially at quarterback as both Kevin Kolb and Michael Vick have suffered injuries at some point this season. After a tough loss to the Washington Redskins two weeks ago, the Eagles bounced back against the win-less
San Francisco 49ers with a 27-24 win.
How they match up
The Atlanta Falcons are second only to the New York Jets running the ball so far this season. Michael Turner has been solid despite averaging less than 20 carries per game. Fourth-year fullback Jason Snelling has done a great job of sharing the load and
has 244 yards on 53 carries in a supporting role.
Matt Ryan has also done a great job under centre for the Falcons, completing over 60 percent of his passes and throwing seven touchdowns. Roddy White has emerged as a solid possession receiver and has been Ryan's favourite target with 37 receptions – good
for a tie for second in the NFL with Indianapolis' Austin Collie.
At 34 years old, tight end Tony Gonzalez has showed no signs of slowing down and is Ryan's second favourite receiving option with 24 catches so far this year.
The Falcons are a well rounded team and also boast a defence that is in the top ten, and are led by defensive end John Abraham who has four sacks this season.
The Eagles' offence relies perhaps a little too heavily on running back LeSean McCoy who not only leads the team in rushing, but is also the Eagles' leading receiver with 28 receptions.
It never seems certain who will be starting at quarterback for the Eagles, but for the game against the Falcons it is looking like Kevin Kolb will be handed the responsibility. Kolb hasn't been quite as effective as Vick was, and isn't nearly the kind of
running threat that Vick is, but Kolb did manage to get his first win of the season last week against the 49ers.
The Eagles don't possess the overall defence that the Falcons do, but the team is ranked in the top five in sacks with fifteen. If they can get in on Ryan and disrupt his rhythm it will improve their chances.
What to expect
The Falcons are quickly absorbing the spotlight and becoming one of the teams to beat in the NFL as they and the Chicago Bears currently share the top spot in the NFC. They should be able to go into Philadelphia and get a win against an Eagles team with
a lack of consistency at quarterback that has left them without much of an offensive identity.
Falcons win 24-16.
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