Falcons look to rebound in primetime and UGA starts SEC play
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Bijan Robinson was the engine of the Falcons offense in their first game of the season. Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images
Disappointing may be an understatement to describe the Atlanta Falcons' first game of the 2024 NFL season. Now, they'll get a chance to erase those memories with a primetime matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Why it matters: The Falcons opened their season with a flat performance at home and will be 0-2 if they don't figure things out quickly.
State of play: Hopes were high for Atlanta after a spending spree this offseason that revamped the offense and brought in much needed defensive talent.
- But after scoring just 10 points last Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers and seeing their $180 million quarterback Kirk Cousins pass for only 19 yards in the second half, worry among the fan base is already apparent.
What's next: The Falcons head to the City of Brotherly Love for a Monday night clash with the Eagles who, two years ago, played in the Super Bowl.
Zoom in: This is Atlanta's first Monday Night Football game since October 2020. They lost that game 30-16 against the Green Bay Packers.
- Including the playoffs, the Falcons have lost four of their past five games against Philly, with three of those losses on the road.
What we're watching: How well Atlanta rebounds. A win Monday night would wonders for confidence amongst fans, a loss could have the city clamoring to see rookie backup quarterback Michael Penix Jr.
- The Eagles are a four point favorite. Kickoff is at 8:15pm on ESPN.
How 'bout those Dawgs?
UGA has opened the season with two defensively dominating wins as they allowed just a field goal in each of their first two games.
The intrigue: The No.1 ranked Bulldogs start SEC play Saturday at 7:30pm in Lexington against the Kentucky Wildcats.
- UGA hasn't lost to Big Blue since 2009 and as of Thursday the Dawgs were listed as 24 point favorites.
Burnt ends: Georgia Tech takes on the VMI Keydets Saturday in Atlanta at 3:30pm.
- Georgia Southern plays South Carolina State in Statesboro at 6pm, Georgia State hosts upstart Vanderbilt at 7pm and Mercer heads to Chattanooga for a 6pm clash.