Will home help vs. Eagles?
By Steve Wyche | Tuesday, September 6, 2005, 03:55 PM
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jim Mora and some of his players may be downplaying the hype and relative importance of their season-opener against the Eagles Monday night, but it would be hard for anyone not to recognize the intrigue of these two potential Super Bowl contenders butting heads again after Philadelphia’s convincing victory in the NFC championship.
The Eagles have been one of the premiere franchises in the NFL over the past few years, on and off the field. However, this offseason has been filled with uncharacteristic drama, courtesy of Terrell Owens, and mild upheaval — stud nose guard Corey Simon was cut loose and recently signed by the Indianapolis Colts. Philadelphia also has had its share of injuries.
Still, the Eagles are the benchmark for the NFC and until someone slows down Donovan McNabb and Co., they feel they are the team to beat.
Atlanta, meanwhile, has had a relatively businesslike offseason and preseason, with little off-field distraction and turmoil. Not one player seems to put himself above the team as everyone seems to have bought into what Blank-McKay-Mora have pitched.
The addition of Ed Hartwell and Ike Reese should help the defense and cornerback DeAngelo Hall appears to be the real deal. However, the safety situation remains a question.
Offensively, the running game will have to carry the Falcons early because the passing attack remains a work in progress. From pass protection to the relative inexperience of the receivers to Michael Vick’s accuracy, no one knows what will happen from game-to-game.
Monday night the Falcons do have home field, and for them, the Dome is a safe haven.
Could home field advantage be the difference? Do you feel that the opener is a statement game for either team? What advantages and disadvantages, on either team, could factor into the outcome?
I think that playing in the dome will prove very useful for us. I don't really like to use that as a reason we might have not performed as well as we could have in the NFCCG, but we were 7-1 at home last season, and then then the playoff game vs St. Louis...speaks for itself. B)
Anyway, we'll need to bring our best game for this one. It's gonna be huge, and I'll be on the edge of my seat all night on Monday.
I think the Dome will be a very difficult place for opposing
teams to play for the next several years.