The Atlanta Falcons vs Philadelphia Eagles Match Player Stats clashed in an unforgettable Monday Night Football game on September 16, 2024, at Lincoln Financial Field. With a final score of 22-21 in favor of the Falcons, this game was a rollercoaster of emotions, showcasing standout performances, clutch plays, and heartbreaking moments. Whether you’re a die-hard NFL fan or just getting into football, this article breaks down the key player stats, game highlights, and what made this matchup one for the history books. Let’s dive into the numbers and stories behind this epic battle, keeping things simple, engaging, and easy to follow.
Game Overview: A Nail-Biter Until the End
The Atlanta Falcons pulled off a stunning upset against the Philadelphia Eagles, overcoming a 99.3% win probability deficit in the final two minutes, according to NFL Next Gen Stats. The game was a testament to the Falcons’ resilience, led by quarterback Kirk Cousins, and a reminder that no lead is safe in the NFL. The Eagles, despite dominating possession for over 35 minutes compared to Atlanta’s 24, couldn’t seal the deal, thanks to critical mistakes and Atlanta’s clutch execution.
Both teams racked up 22 first downs, with the Falcons gaining 385 total yards and the Eagles close behind at 365. The Eagles had one turnover, while Atlanta played a clean game with zero. This matchup was a showcase of offensive firepower, defensive grit, and a few pivotal plays that flipped the script. Let’s break down the player stats and performances that defined this game.
Atlanta Falcons: Key Player Stats
Kirk Cousins (Quarterback)
Kirk Cousins was the hero of the night, proving why the Falcons invested $180 million in him. Facing immense pressure with less than two minutes left, Cousins orchestrated a flawless game-winning drive, culminating in a 7-yard touchdown pass to Drake London with just 34 seconds remaining. He finished the game with:
-
Completions/Attempts: 20/29 (69% completion rate)
-
Passing Yards: 241
-
Touchdowns: 2 (including the game-winner to Drake London)
-
Interceptions: 0
-
Passer Rating: 108.3
Cousins’ poise in the clutch was remarkable, especially after a shaky Week 1 performance coming off an Achilles injury. His ability to find open receivers like Darnell Mooney and Drake London under pressure silenced doubts about his health and leadership.
Bijan Robinson (Running Back)
Bijan Robinson was a force on the ground, outshining his Eagles counterpart, Saquon Barkley, in efficiency. Despite a fumble that could have cost Atlanta the game, Robinson’s explosive runs kept the Falcons’ offense dynamic. His stats included:
-
Rushing Attempts: 14
-
Rushing Yards: 97 (6.9 yards per carry)
-
Touchdowns: 0
-
Receptions: 4
-
Receiving Yards: 25
Robinson’s 6.9 yards per carry was a standout, showing his ability to break off big runs against a tough Eagles defense. His fumble was a hiccup, but the defense bailed him out, and he remained a key part of Atlanta’s balanced attack.
Drake London (Wide Receiver)
Drake London sealed the deal with the game-winning touchdown catch, beating Eagles cornerback Darius Slay on a precise route. His performance was steady, providing Cousins with a reliable target. London’s stats were:
-
Receptions: 6
-
Receiving Yards: 54
-
Touchdowns: 1
London’s clutch grab in the end zone was the defining moment of the game, showcasing his ability to deliver when it matters most.
Younghoe Koo (Kicker)
Kicker Younghoe Koo deserves a shoutout for his nerves of steel. After a penalty pushed Atlanta’s extra point attempt back to 48 yards, Koo drilled it, giving the Falcons the one-point lead that held up. His stats:
-
Field Goals Made/Attempted: 2/2
-
Extra Points Made/Attempted: 2/2
-
Longest Field Goal: 48 yards
Koo’s reliability in high-pressure situations was crucial to Atlanta’s improbable victory.
Jessie Bates III (Safety)
On defense, Jessie Bates III delivered the game-sealing play, intercepting Jalen Hurts with 27 seconds left. His instincts and ball skills shut down Philadelphia’s last-ditch effort to get into field goal range. Bates’ stats:
-
Tackles: 6
-
Interceptions: 1
-
Pass Deflections: 2
Bates’ interception was the exclamation point on Atlanta’s comeback, proving that one defensive play can change everything.
Philadelphia Eagles: Key Player Stats
Jalen Hurts (Quarterback)
Jalen Hurts had a solid game statistically but faltered in the clutch with a costly interception. Despite completing a higher percentage of passes than Cousins, his final throw to DeVonta Smith, picked off by Bates, ended Philly’s hopes. Hurts’ stats:
-
Completions/Attempts: 23/30 (76.7% completion rate)
-
Passing Yards: 183
-
Touchdowns: 1
-
Interceptions: 1
-
Rushing Yards: 85
-
Rushing Touchdowns: 1
Hurts’ dual-threat ability was on display, especially with his 85 rushing yards, but the late interception overshadowed an otherwise strong performance.
Saquon Barkley (Running Back)
Saquon Barkley, in his home debut for the Eagles, was a focal point of the offense but admitted to letting his team down with a dropped pass that could have sealed the game. His stats were impressive, though less efficient than Robinson’s:
-
Rushing Attempts: 22
-
Rushing Yards: 95
-
Touchdowns: 0
-
Receptions: 2
-
Receiving Yards: 21
Barkley’s drop in the red zone forced the Eagles to settle for a field goal, leaving the door open for Atlanta’s comeback. Despite the mistake, his 95 yards on 22 carries showed why he’s a cornerstone of Philly’s offense.
Jake Elliott (Kicker)
Jake Elliott was perfect on his kicks, giving the Eagles a lead late in the game. However, it wasn’t enough to overcome Atlanta’s final drive. His stats:
-
Field Goals Made/Attempted: 3/3
-
Extra Points Made/Attempted: 2/2
-
Longest Field Goal: 28 yards
Elliott did his job, but the Eagles’ defense couldn’t hold up when it mattered most.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson (Safety)
C.J. Gardner-Johnson made a massive play on a 4th-and-1 stop against Bijan Robinson, giving the Eagles the ball back with a chance to run out the clock. His stats:
-
Tackles: 7
-
Tackles for Loss: 1
Gardner-Johnson’s stop was a highlight, but he later admitted the team needed to address other mistakes that cost them the game.
Darnell Mooney (Wide Receiver, Atlanta, but notable for Eagles’ defense)
While Mooney played for the Falcons, his performance against the Eagles’ secondary is worth noting. He made two long catches that set up Atlanta’s game-winning drive:
-
Receptions: 3
-
Receiving Yards: 88
-
Touchdowns: 1
Mooney’s big plays exposed weaknesses in Philly’s pass defense, which struggled to contain him in critical moments.
Team Atlanta Falcons vs Philadelphia Eagles Match Player Stats Comparison
Here’s a quick look at how the teams stacked up:
Stat |
Atlanta Falcons |
Philadelphia Eagles |
---|---|---|
Total Yards |
385 | 365 |
Passing Yards |
241 | 183 |
Rushing Yards |
144 | 182 |
First Downs |
22 | 22 |
Turnovers |
0 | 1 |
Time of Possession |
24:21 | 35:39 |
The Eagles dominated time of possession, but Atlanta’s efficiency and clutch plays made the difference. The Falcons’ zero turnovers compared to Philly’s one (Hurts’ interception) proved pivotal.
Game-Changing Moments
-
Barkley’s Drop: With the Eagles leading 18-15 in the fourth quarter, Barkley dropped a pass that would have secured a first down, potentially ending the game. Instead, Philly settled for a field goal, making it 21-15.
-
Gardner-Johnson’s 4th-and-1 Stop: The Eagles’ defense stood tall when Gardner-Johnson stuffed Robinson on a 4th-and-1, giving Philly the ball back with 5:38 left. Unfortunately, they couldn’t capitalize fully.
-
Cousins’ Game-Winning Drive: Trailing 21-15 with 1:56 left, Cousins led a three-play drive into the red zone, with Mooney’s long catches setting up London’s touchdown.
-
Bates’ Interception: Hurts’ final pass, intended for DeVonta Smith, was intercepted by Bates, sealing Atlanta’s victory.
-
Koo’s 48-Yard Extra Point: After a penalty, Koo’s 48-yard extra point gave Atlanta the 22-21 lead, a clutch kick under pressure.
Why This Game Matters
This game wasn’t just about stats—it was about heart, grit, and the unpredictability of the NFL. For the Falcons, it was a statement win, showing that Cousins could deliver in high-stakes moments and that their offense could compete with the best. For the Eagles, it was a tough lesson in finishing games, with Barkley’s drop and Hurts’ interception serving as learning opportunities.
The rivalry between these two teams, dating back to 1966, added extra weight to the outcome. The Eagles lead the all-time series 21-16-1, but Atlanta’s victory in 2024 showed they’re a force to be reckoned with. This game also highlighted the importance of clutch execution, as Atlanta overcame a 99.3% loss probability, marking the seventh-most improbable comeback since 2016.
What’s Next for Atlanta Falcons vs Philadelphia Eagles Match Player Stats Both Teams?
For the Falcons, this win boosts their confidence as they aim for a playoff spot. Cousins’ performance silenced critics, and Robinson’s efficiency on the ground signals a balanced offense. They’ll need to clean up mistakes like Robinson’s fumble but can build on this momentum.
For the Eagles, the loss exposed defensive weaknesses, particularly in the pass rush, which failed to pressure Cousins on the final drive. Vic Fangio’s unit will need to regroup, and Hurts must avoid late-game mistakes. Barkley, despite his drop, remains a key weapon, and Philly’s 1-1 record keeps them in the NFC East hunt.
Atlanta Falcons vs Philadelphia Eagles Match Player Stats Table for Easy Reference
Player |
Team |
Key Stats |
---|---|---|
Kirk Cousins |
Falcons |
20/29, 241 pass yds, 2 TDs, 0 INT, 108.3 passer rating |
Bijan Robinson |
Falcons |
14 carries, 97 rush yds (6.9 ypc), 4 rec, 25 rec yds |
Drake London |
Falcons |
6 rec, 54 yds, 1 TD |
Younghoe Koo |
Falcons |
2/2 FG, 2/2 XP, 48-yd long FG |
Jessie Bates III |
Falcons |
6 tackles, 1 INT, 2 pass deflections |
Jalen Hurts |
Eagles |
23/30, 183 pass yds, 1 TD, 1 INT, 85 rush yds, 1 rush TD |
Saquon Barkley |
Eagles |
22 carries, 95 rush yds, 2 rec, 21 rec yds |
Jake Elliott |
Eagles |
3/3 FG, 2/2 XP, 28-yd long FG |
C.J. Gardner-Johnson |
Eagles |
7 tackles, 1 TFL |
Darnell Mooney |
Falcons |
3 rec, 88 yds, 1 TD |
Final Thoughts
The Atlanta Falcons vs Philadelphia Eagles Match Player Stats on September 16, 2024, was a masterclass in drama, with player stats telling the story of a game decided by inches. Kirk Cousins’ clutch throws, Bijan Robinson’s explosive runs, and Jessie Bates’ game-sealing interception powered Atlanta to a historic comeback. Meanwhile, Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley showed flashes of brilliance but were undone by critical errors. This matchup reminded us why we love football: it’s unpredictable, emotional, and full of moments that leave fans buzzing.