The Eagles have their first regular season game coming up against the Atlanta Falcons. This game will take place in Atlanta at Mercedes- Benz Stadium. The Falcons are currently favored by three and a half according to Caesars Sports Book. The Eagles come into this game after their week three preseason matchup against the New York Jets. Philadelphia should have won that game, but the Jets went down the field during the last minute and tied the game. This game ended in a tie since overtime is not a factor in the preseason. This game against the Falcons will give a chance for young players to shine against starters. It will also show what the team is made of. These are three Eagles’ players that could shine during week 1.
Devonta Smith
There is a lot of hype surrounding Alabama’s former Heisman winner DeVonta Smith. He is ready to show what he can prove as a Philadelphia Eagle and in the NFL. Smith made his debut during the week 2 preseason matchup against the New England Patriots. Smith was rusty and dropped a couple of the first targets that were thrown to him. He did redeem himself and ended up catching two balls for 19 yards during that game. The Eagles wide receiver looked quick and his route running looked as good as usual.
Hopefully Smith will come out of the gates fast against the Atlanta Falcons. Jalen Hurts needs to find him early and let the rookie get in his groove in the beginning portion of the game. A couple of short passes too Smith should let the nerves out and make him feel comfortable. This gives the Eagles a better chance of Smith being a big factor in this game. Hopefully, Eagles fans do not have to wait long to see Smith’s explosive playmaking ability in the NFL.
Kenneth Gainwell
Obviously, the Eagles are going to start Miles Sanders as he has an opportunity to be an elite running back this season for the Eagles. Boston Scott will also get plenty of opportunities to make plays with the ball. It will be interesting to see what the Eagles do with Kenneth Gainwell during this first regular-season matchup. He looked great running and also receiving out of the backfield. Gainwell has a lot of speed and can find holes in the opponent’s defense. It would be cool to see Gainwell get some playing time in this game. He has earned it with his performances during the preseason. If the Eagles do decide to play him at some point in the game then he could very well be a factor and maybe score a touchdown.
Jalen Hurts
Jalen Hurts has everything to prove during this first regular-season game against the Falcons. He is on lists that say he is one of the worst quarterbacks in the league and surely he wants to prove his doubters wrong. The Eagles also picked up some competition for Hurts in Gardner Minshew. The signing of Minshew should fire Hurts up even more to do great in this game.
Hurts brings many abilities to the table. He has a strong arm and he is a very mobile quarterback. He does have trouble with accuracy in the passing game, but that’s a growing pain of being a young quarterback in the NFL. Accuracy will get better as he progresses in reading NFL defenses. The Eagles quarterback also brings the run-pass option into play, which will put defenses on their heels.
Hurts needs to throw the ball early against the Falcons so he can get into a rhythm. Once he gets a couple of completed passes under his belt, then it will be time to run Sanders and set up the play-action attack. The Eagles still have Ertz and Goedert, which should be a deadly combination in the middle of the field. Hurts has weapons and he needs to use them to his advantage in this game to have a good performance. These are the three Eagles players that could shine during week one.
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