Atlanta Falcons vs Philadelphia Eagles: Full Game Preview

Aug 14, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) runs onto the field before their game against the Tennessee Titans in a preseason NFL football game at Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Are you ready? This is it at long last, the start of the regular season. The Atlanta Falcons are gearing up to face the Philadelphia Eagles on the Monday Night Football opener. Dan Quinn finally gets the chance to lead his team into a regular season game.

This is a chance for the Falcons to show they can play defense, at least somewhat better than they did last year. People who haven’t followed the team closely this offseason will assume the defense is poor. Well Falcons, you couldn’t ask for a better opportunity to show you’ve improved. Up against a fast-paced, finesse offense under the lights in primetime gives them this chance.

So what should we be watching out for in this game, and which players should we be watching? This is a real test for Quinn and the Falcons right out the gate, and a victory over the Eagles would be a perfect way to start a season filled with some quiet optimism. Let’s take a deeper look at this contest.

Next: When and how to watch?