Philadelphia Eagles Defense Holds On for Banner-Night Victory

Sep 7, 2018, 12:00 AM | Updated: Jan 4, 2019, 11:34 am

(Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)

(Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)

by Matt George – Sports 1140 KHTK Reporter

After a long thunder and lightning storm delay, and the pre-game Super Bowl LII banner presentation, finally the 2018-19 NFL season kicked off with the Atlanta Falcons battling the Philadelphia Eagles in a rematch of last year’s NFC Divisional Playoff round. Similar to that battle in early January, Thursday’s bout ended up being a low-scoring affair, with both offenses visibly working through the offseason rust.

Despite the overall lack of points, the game would come down to the wire, as quarterback Matt Ryan and his Atlanta squad had multiple shots at the end zone in the final seconds of the game. After a flag on fourth and goal, one of the game’s 26 penalties, the Falcons took one final shot with just a second left. Julio Jones, who was Ryan’s top target all night long, finishing with 169 total yards, made a spectacular leaping catch but was pushed out of bounds, resulting in an incomplete pass. The defending champion Eagles defense, which was solid all night, held on for the 18-12 win.

Running back Jay Ajayi was the hero for Philadelphia on offense, finishing the season opener with 62 yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries. Quarterback Nick Foles couldn’t repeat his outstanding Super Bowl performance against New England, but did manage to overcome an interception and only 117 total passing yards. However, Foles was responsible for getting the Eagles offense out of their slow start thanks to another perfectly executed Philly Special.

The Eagles, now 1-0 on the season, will battle the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Tampa next Sunday, while the Falcons will look to bounce back as they host the Carolina Panthers.

Newsletter

Football

Brock Purdy #13 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after a touchdown pass during the third quarter a...

Amiliano Fragoso

Shanahan raves about Brock Purdy as 49ers prepare for extension after 2024

The 49ers appear to be preparing for a massive Brock Purdy contract extension, something SF isn't shy about paying for the right guy.

17 hours ago

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - FEBRUARY 11: Brandon Aiyuk #11 of the San Francisco 49ers runs the ball after a...

Amiliano Fragoso

Shanahan looking to get Brandon Aiyuk extension done ‘sooner than later’

Kyle Shanahan seemed optimistic about a long-term extension for Brandon Aiyuk, hoping to get pen to paper done as a soon as possible.

20 hours ago

TAMPA, FLORIDA - JANUARY 01: Jayden Daniels #5 of the LSU Tigers looks on during the ReliaQuest Bow...

Joseph Jarosz

Report: Raiders scheduled to meet with LSU QB Jayden Daniels

According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the Raiders are one of six teams to schedule meetings with LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels.

22 hours ago

Arik Armstead #91 looks on during San Francisco 49ers practice ahead of Super Bowl LVIII at Fertitt...

Amiliano Fragoso

49ers GM John Lynch says Arik Armstead departure was a tough decision

John Lynch went through the Arik Armstead process with the media this week, explaining how happy he is that one of their own got a new deal.

1 day ago

Fans in Christmas costumes watch from the stands prior to the game between the Denver Broncos and t...

Amiliano Fragoso

NFL plans for Wednesday Christmas DoubleHeader in 2024

The NFL will reportedly have two games on Christmas Day, despite the holiday falling on a Wednesday, in 2024.

2 days ago

Denver Broncos punter Riley Dixon (9) kicks off on a drop kick kickoff after a safety in the first ...

Amiliano Fragoso

NFL approves hybrid kickoff method for 2024 season

The NFL is implementing a variety of league changes, including a new kickoff method, for the 2024 regular season.

2 days ago

Philadelphia Eagles Defense Holds On for Banner-Night Victory