Atlanta Falcons vs. Philadelphia Eagles: Week 10 To-Do Checklist

Oct 30, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Vic Beasley (44) celebrates a sack with defensive end Dwight Freeney (93) against the Green Bay Packers in the second quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Vic Beasley (44) celebrates a sack with defensive end Dwight Freeney (93) against the Green Bay Packers in the second quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 25, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Darren Sproles (43) runs after a catch against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Darren Sproles (43) runs after a catch against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Neutralize Darren Sproles

 The Eagles have a different face as the lead role at running back.

What once was Ryan Mathews as the #1 back for the Eagles, now the offense turns to the 5’6 speed racer in Sproles. The 11-year vet has 526 yards from scrimmage this season and is tied for second on the team in receptions with 25. He is also pulling off 4.8 yards per carry and is a legitimate threat on special teams as a punt returner. Eagles head coach Doug Pederson has stated recently that Sproles will have a larger role in the offense with Mathews taking a demotion.

Going back to the 2015 season opener, Sproles gave the Falcons defense plenty of issues with five rushes for 50 yards and seven catches for 76 yards while being targeted nine times in the passing game. The versatility that Sproles provides to the Eagles offense makes him arguably the biggest threat on that side of the ball. Shutting down Sproles is easier said than done so limiting his tendency of soaking up yards after catches as well as properly wrapping up the slippery back can go a long way to making him a limited factor in the game.