Atlanta Falcons: Five keys to beat Philadelphia Eagles

3) Pressuring Sam Bradford

Aug 22, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Sam Bradford (7) is tackled by Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Terrell Suggs (55) at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles won 40-17. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

The Atlanta Falcons will need to apply pressure to Sam Bradford to win the game, period. If they are not able to it will allow Bradford to hit his solid receivers and extend drives. This is something Falcons fans have been used to seeing over the last two seasons. However, a pass rush is here folks. And it’s pretty good.

Will the Falcons apply pressure to Bradford on Monday night? Absolutely. Rookie defensive end Vic Beasley Jr will do his best to wreak havoc on the Eagles which will allow guys like Adrian Clayborn to clean it up. The Falcons have several young pass rushers that are ready to eat come Monday night.

The Falcons also have a much improved line-backing core even with the injury to Brooks Reed. O’Brien Schofield will start in his place while Justin Durant and Paul Worrilow will start alongside of him. The Falcons’ front seven has improved astronomically from this time last year and should be feared by everyone in the NFL.

The biggest thing is the amount of depth that the Falcons will have in 2015. On the defensive line alone, the Falcons are at least 12 players deep, and that’s not counting linebackers Joplo Bartu or Allen Bradford. The Falcons will be able to plug and place men all throughout the game and keep everyone well rested. That is key for a defense. If the top pass rushers are still going strong into the fourth quarter than you can expect the sacks to come, and come, and come. Let’s hope that’s the case at least.