Atlanta Falcons vs Philadelphia Eagles: Full Game Preview

Sep 3, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn is shown on the sideline during the game against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Why to watch

This is it, everyone. The start of the Dan Quinn era in Atlanta. After months of speculation, hype and preparation comes to this—the season opener. We will finally get a feel of what this team is made of, how the new-look defense is looking, and whether the Falcons can hit the ground running with a victory.

Can the defense lift itself off the ground after finishing dead last overall and against the pass a year ago? Can the offensive unit get even better with the additions at wide receiver and continued rise to stardom of Julio Jones? Can the Falcons establish the run game?

These questions will begin to be answered Monday night against the Eagles. Offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan will begin to bring some his tricks out of the bag and feature some new looks Philadelphia won’t be prepared for.

Football is back, and there is a sense of optimism in Atlanta that the Falcons can return to the playoffs for the first time since 2012. The NFC South is wide open, and this is the first step on the 2015 road.

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