Ricardo Allen intercepted a pass intended for Jordan Matthews Monday to seal the Falcons’ 26-24 victory over the Eagles.
Dan Quinn said Allen’s performance Monday night was reminiscent of Allen’s off season.
“We made the move from corner to free safety,” Quinn said. “I thought from a tackling standpoint, he was on point. In terms of his responsibility in the middle of the field, it’s something that we totally count on.”
Eagle’s kicker Cody Parkey missed a 44-yard field goal with just over two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter that would have given the Eagles the game.
The Falcon’s defense under Quinn came out strong in the first half holding the Eagles offense to three three-and-outs in each the first and second quarters and allowing 125 offensive yards.
Ryan was 23-of-34 for 298 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.
Ryan’s two interceptions were on a promising touchdown pass in the Eagles’ end zone and the other backed up against their own end zone in the first drive of the second half.
“You can’t turn it over,” Ryan said. “We’ll be better and we’ll continue to improve.”
Julio Jones, who led the NFC with 1,593 receiving yards in 2014, scored two touchdowns in the first half, extending the Falcons’ lead 20-3. Jones had 9 receptions for 141 yards and his second touchdown was the result of Eagles’ Sam Bradford’s first interception.
“He doesn’t back down,” Quinn said. “Any challenge that’s there he’s ready to go,” Quinn said. “One of the the things I mist respect about him is that he’s the kind of competitor that’s ready every time.”
The Eagles turned the game around in the second half scoring 21 of their points in the second quarter with two touchdowns by DeMarco Murray in his first game as an Eagle. Murray eventually scored off the drive after Ryan’s second interception.
Quinn said in the fast paced season opener, he respected the Eagles and their style of play.
“They found some rhythm on some things for us (in the second quarter),” Quinn said. “At the end, they made some plays too and I have to give them some credit.”
About the Author
