Atlanta Falcons: Five keys to beat Philadelphia Eagles

5) Julio Jones vs Eagles’ secondary

Aug 14, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) celebrates after he scored a touchdown against Tennessee Titans safety Michael Griffin (33) in the first quarter of their preseason NFL football game at Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Julio Jones is the biggest offensive threat that the Atlanta Falcons have. Nobody can shut Jones down for an entire game. This type of success is key for the Falcons’ offense against the Philadelphia Eagles and could be a game changer. Jones has always performed well when everyone is watching and Monday night will be no different.

Jones will likely be guarded by Byron Maxwell who came over to the Eagles in the offseason from the Seattle Seahawks. Maxwell had a nice career while with Seattle, but never was asked to cover the top receiver on the team. That job was usually tasked to Richard Sherman. Maxwell will have his hands full with Jones. There isn’t any way around that.

Expect Jones to have a big game in the Falcons’ season opener. This will be the team’s one and only Monday night football game, so you can bet Jones will want to show out. If Jones doesn’t go for a 100 yards and a touchdown I’d be extremely surprised. Watch for Jones to line up everywhere on the field and run just about every route imaginable. Release the beast.