The Eagles needed that one.
And they got it.
Going against a high-powered offense and the team that led the NFL in points per game, the Eagles did enough to walk away from the Linc with a 24-15 win Sunday. The Eagles really controlled the pace of the game, holding the ball for over 38 minutes.
With the win, the Eagles improved to 5-4 on the season and prevented a three-game losing streak. It’s just the second win in five games for the Birds. The Falcons fell to 6-4.
The Eagles still haven’t lost at home this season in four tries.
With just over 10 minutes left and trailing by two, the Eagles got the ball back and went on a 76-yard drive to punch in a touchdown and then got the two-point conversion. Sunday was the first come-from-behind win in Wentz’s career.
The defense held the Falcons from there. Malcolm Jenkins had a huge play on fourth down to force a turnover on downs. Then, Caleb Sturgis added a 48-yarder to put the Eagles up by two scores.
Philadelphia Eagles
Complete coverage of the Philadelphia Eagles and their NFL rivals from NBC Sports Philadelphia.
The Eagles' defense held the Falcons to 15 points after Atlanta came into the game averaging 33.9 points.
The Birds had another chance to take a lead with just over 10 minutes left in the game, but Sturgis was short on a 55-yarder. The play before, Jordan Matthews was clocked by safety Keanu Neal. It looked like helmet-to-helmet but it wasn’t called (see story). Before that, a delay of game pushed the Eagles back five yards.
The Falcons took their first lead in the game when Matt Ryan hit Taylor Gabriel on a 76-yard bomb, but the Falcons missed the extra point to take a 15-13 lead.
Just before, the Eagles had a 3rd-and-1 early in the fourth quarter down near the goal line, but weren’t able to score a touchdown, instead settling for a short field goal.
Turning point
Mathews capped off an eight-play, 76-yard drive with his second TD of the game, and then punctuated that with a two-point conversation that made it a six-point game at 21-15. From there, the Eagles never looked back.
Key stat
The Eagles have given up just 38 points in four home games this season.
First half
The Eagles really dictated the way the game was played in the first half and took a 7-6 lead into the locker room.
Their points came on their first drive of the game, when they went 81 yards on 12 plays in 7:14. It was a pretty good way to keep the Falcons’ high-powered offense off the field. Ryan Mathews accounted for 33 of those yards and punched in the touchdown.
In the first half, Mathews had nine carries for 56 yards and a touchdown to go along with two catches for 30 yards.
The Eagles were able to keep Ryan and the Falcons out of the end zone in the first two quarters, giving up just two field goals.
The Eagles out-gained the Falcons, 197-133, in the first half and had a 10-6 edge in first downs. The Falcons had a chance to go up late in the first half, but kicker Matt Bryant missed a 53-yarder. Sturgis missed a 44-yarder a little earlier.
Offensive stud
Ryan Mathews had a big game. They fed him early and often just a few days after Doug Pederson said Darren Sproles was the team’s No. 1 back. Mathews had 19 carries for 108 yards and two touchdowns. He also added a two-point conversion.
Offensive dud
We’ll give this to receiver not named Jordan Matthews.
Defensive stud
Brandon Graham had a sack and provided some constant pressure for the Birds’ defense. Jenkins came up with a huge play late.
Defensive dud
McKelvin was roasted by Gabriel on a double move on the 76-yard touchdown, but did pick off a pass later in the game.
Injuries
Allen Barbre (hamstring) and Terrence Brooks (hamstring) both missed Sunday’s game.
Nolan Carroll left the game with a concussion.
Up next
The Eagles have a tough test next weekend, when they’ll fly to the other side of the country to face the Seattle Seahawks in a 4:25 p.m. game.
