Atlanta Falcons get a rare chance to perform on Sunday night
By Ross Terrell
The Atlanta Falcons get a rare chance to perform in a primetime game when they take on the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday night.
For some reason, the schedule makers gave the Atlanta Falcons just two primetime slots. The other is on Thanksgiving night against that team from Louisiana. Sure, you could argue the Falcons didn’t earn the right to play too many night games after a 7-9 finish just a season ago.
But the Cleveland Browns who finished last season at 7-8-1 managed to get three of their first six in night slots. Including Monday night one week and Sunday night the next. It seems like the people making schedules bought into the hype of a team that hasn’t been relevant in the past decade.
Not to mention, Mercedes-Benz Stadium at night is just beautiful. But nonetheless, Atlanta just gets two shots, both at home. They’ve got to make the most of them. Not only do you have the attention of the football world because you aren’t competing with other games, but it’s a chance to send a statement.
There’s nothing wrong with being the league’s best-kept secret, but playoff games aren’t won by secret teams. It’s about who can show up when the lights are brightest. Much like last week was a test for how the team would play on the road against a formidable opponent, we will learn a lot this week too.
Who is going to show up for the Falcons on the big stage against a solid team in Philadelphia? And can Atlanta solve their issues while everyone is watching? Redzone woes, running game, and respectable defense. Well, come midnight tonight. We’ll know.