Atlanta Falcons Likely to Face Nick Foles in the Opener

The Atlanta Falcons are getting set to open their season against the defending Super Bowl champion Eagles.  The biggest question for the Falcons will be which Eagles quarterback will earn the start?

The Atlanta Falcons will be facing either Nick Foles or Carson Wentz when the NFL season finally kicks off on Thursday night.  Whichever quarterback the Falcons face it seems likely they will have an advantage.

Though the Eagles coaching staff won’t admit it, it seems all but decided Nick Foles will earn the start against Atlanta.  With Wentz yet to be cleared for contact and gameday four days away it seems impossible for Wentz to earn the start.

Foles starting is the best case scenario for the Falcons. Foles struggled in the pre-season and looked rusty. There is a reason Foles is willing to stay in Philly as a backup option.

It is because deep down he and every other team know his magical playoff run was just that, magical. Foles is a backup quarterback who doesn’t pose the same dangers to the Falcons as Carson Wentz would.

Wentz is mobile and has a better arm than Foles. His ability to keep plays alive and make tough throws are what had him on a path to what should have been an MVP season last year.

Defensively the Falcons are stout and shouldn’t have a problem defending Foles who is a pocket passer. If their coverage can hold up the Falcons defense should be in for a great game considering their ability to stop the run and Foles inability to create plays.

Offensively the Falcons will be in for a very tough test. They will be taking on one of if not the best defensive fronts in the NFL. They can stop the run and get after the quarterback with depth few other teams have.

For Matt Ryan, it will be key to establish passing the ball early making quick throws to keep the rush off-balance.

Thursday’s game will kick off the season on NBC with an 8:30 Kick-off time set as the long off-season finally comes to an end.