On Monday at Lincoln Financial Field, the ATL defeated the PHI 22-21 in the last minute.
The Falcons struggled in the first 15 minutes due to their field location. Their first two drives started at their own 8- and 9-yard lines and lasted five plays apiece.
Another challenge was Atlanta’s 0-for-2 record on third-down conversions. On third-and-four, the cousins threw an incomplete pass to running back Bijan Robinson. Robinson failed to complete the pass. Cousins then threw an incomplete pass to Drake London on a third-and-four play. Eagles cornerback Quinyon Mitchell almost intercepted the pass, but he couldn’t get his foot down in time, and the officials eventually ruled him out of bounds.
The ALT benefitted from the PHIs’ inability to convert a third down. Philadelphia went 0-for-3. The Eagles could not convert a third-and-10 play and threw two incomplete passes on third-and-4s.
On the second quarter, the scoring drive marked the first successful third-down drive between the two teams. Jalen Hurts utilized his own legs to accomplish the feat, scrambling for 15 yards when only 11 were required for a first down. Prior to that point, the Eagles were 0 for 4 and the Falcons were zero for 3 on third downs.
The Falcons came close to replying. Indeed, all the way to the Eagles’ three-yard line. However, their first red-zone attempt went short, leading to another field goal from Younghoe Koo. This time, he was accurate from 22 yards away.
Cousins’ 12-yard pass to wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III was a key play on the scoring drive. It was a fourth-and-four play that saved the Falcons’ series.
After the touchdown, the Falcons attempted a two-point conversion rather than a point-after attempt. Cousins aimed for London, but both failed to convert.
As a result, Atlanta held a five-point advantage into the final stretch of the game.
ATL drove from their own 30-goal line to the Eagles’ end zone on Cousins’ 4-of-5 passing. Cousins hit London on a 7-yard dart for the game-tying score. Koo then put the Falcons ahead with a solid point-after kick. Atlanta had a one-point advantage with 34 seconds remaining.
It would keep it, too. As Bates intercepted a long Hurts ball to secure the deal. The Falcons and Eagles are now both 1-1. Finally, ATL won PHI I 22-21 differences.