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5 players the Eagles need to play well to beat the Falcons

By Jakob Ashlin

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 03: Jalen Reagor #18 and Jalen Hurts #2 of the Philadelphia Eagles react against the Washington Football Team at Lincoln Financial Field on January 3, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 03: Jalen Reagor #18 and Jalen Hurts #2 of the Philadelphia Eagles react against the Washington Football Team at Lincoln Financial Field on January 3, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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Aug 12, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) in action against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

The Philadelphia Eagles will open the season against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. Here are five players to watch.

The Philadelphia Eagles will face the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. Both teams underwhelmed last season. The Eagles finished with a 4-11-1 record behind lackluster quarterback play. Meanwhile, the Falcons struggled on the defensive side of the ball allowing a league-high 4,697 passing yards.

The Eagles will have the opportunity to pick up a win to start the season and build momentum.

The Eagles need these 5 players to be great against the Falcons

Jalen Hurts

This one is obvious. Subpar quarterback play held the Eagles back in 2020. In 12 starts, Carson Wentz recorded 16 passing touchdowns and a league-leading 15 interceptions.

Jalen Hurts started the final four games of the season and gave the offense a spark. His rushing ability, in particular, energized the offense. Hurts rushed for 272 yards and three touchdowns in four starts. That puts him on pace for 1,088 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns over the course of a 16-game season.

The Falcons defense should have trouble containing Hurts in the open field. Last season, they allowed Dak Prescott to rush for three touchdowns in their Week 2 matchup.

Hurts is in the perfect position to have a statement game in Week 1. Let’s see if he can capitalize.

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