The Bow Tie Chronicles: Falcons suffer worst season-opening loss since 1987

In the 281th episode of the Bow Tie Chronicles podcast, host D. Orlando Ledbetter breakdowns how the Falcons were routed 32-6 by the Philadelphia Eagles to open the 2021 season under new coach Arthur Smith. It was the franchise’s worst season-opening loss since Marion Campbell’s squad was beaten 48-10 by Tampa Bay on Sept. 13, 1987.

The coach said he didn’t have the team ready to play after he elected not to play most of the key players in the exhibition season. The new attacking defense could muster just one sack, one quarterback hit and three pass breakups. There’s clearly more work to do before facing the defending Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers at 4:05 p.m. Sunday in Florida.