Last week, the Falcons’ offensive line gave up five sacks, and quarterback Matt Ryan was hit 11 times.
The Eagles, who have shifted to the “wide-tackle-nine” formation that pushes its defensive ends out to some bizarre angles, registered five sacks and had 10 quarterback hits in their season opener against the Rams.
Under new defensive coordinator Juan Castillo, they no longer are the blitz-happy Eagles. He tries to get pressure with just his four defensive linemen. The Eagles use a rotational system similar to the Falcons in order to keep their defensive linemen fresh.
Defensive ends Jason Babin and Trent Cole start. Juqua Parker will come off the bench, but all three play an equal amount of snaps. Babin, one of the Eagles’ free-agent pickups, had two sacks against the Rams.
Castillo also rotates his defensive tackles.
Cullen Jenkins, the former Green Bay Packer who signed as a free agent with the Eagles, and Mike Patterson are the starters. Trevor Laws and Antonio Dixon rotate in at defensive tackle.
The Falcons’ offensive line will have to rebound and play much stouter in pass protection.
