Falcons’ Last-Second Victory Over Eagles in Thrilling Week 2 Matchup
Monday Night at Lincoln Financial Field
PHILADELPHIA, September 16, 2024 – The Atlanta Falcons secured a nail-biting 22-21 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night at Lincoln Financial Field. The Falcons rallied in the final seconds, overcoming a six-point deficit to snatch a victory from the Eagles, leaving both teams at 1-1 on the season.
FIRST QUARTER
The game started with both teams struggling to get momentum. Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins, under scrutiny after a tough Week 1 loss, began the game conservatively, with two consecutive under-center snaps. However, the Falcons found themselves in poor field position early, starting two drives inside their own 10-yard line.
Both teams struggled to convert on third down during the first quarter. The Falcons went 0-for-2, with Cousins narrowly missing connections with Bijan Robinson and Drake London. The Eagles also faltered, going 0-for-3 on third-down conversions.
Running backs, however, stood out early. Robinson logged five carries for 33 yards, while Eagles’ running back Saquon Barkley posted 40 yards on five carries.
End of Q1: Falcons 0, Eagles 0
SECOND QUARTER
The second quarter was a different story, as both teams found ways to put points on the board. The Falcons opened the scoring with a 39-yard field goal by kicker Younghoe Koo. However, the Eagles quickly responded with a 7-yard touchdown pass from Jalen Hurts to DeVonta Smith, pulling ahead 7-3.
Atlanta drove deep into Eagles territory late in the quarter, reaching the 3-yard line. But Cousins and the Falcons offense stalled, settling for another field goal from Koo to bring the score to 7-6 at halftime.
At the break, the Falcons were outgaining the Eagles in total yardage but were less efficient in the red zone.
Halftime: Eagles 7, Falcons 6
THIRD QUARTER
The Falcons came out of the locker room strong in the second half, taking the lead with another Koo field goal, this time from 34 yards. Atlanta added a big-play score with a 41-yard touchdown pass from Cousins to Darnell Mooney, who celebrated with a front flip into the end zone. A failed two-point conversion left the Falcons with a 15-10 lead.
Philadelphia responded with a field goal of their own, as Jake Elliott’s 29-yard kick trimmed Atlanta’s lead to 15-13 heading into the final quarter.
End of Q3: Falcons 15, Eagles 13
FOURTH QUARTER
In the fourth quarter, the Eagles pieced together a long, methodical drive, capped by a 1-yard touchdown run from Hurts on the infamous "tush-push" play. Philadelphia opted for a two-point conversion, with Barkley successfully running it in to give the Eagles an 18-15 lead.
The Eagles extended their advantage with a 28-yard field goal by Elliott, leaving the Falcons trailing 21-15 with just under two minutes to play.
With time winding down, Cousins led the Falcons on a game-winning drive, hitting London with a 7-yard touchdown pass to tie the game. Koo's extra point put the Falcons ahead 22-21 with only 34 seconds remaining.
Philadelphia had one final chance, but Hurts’ deep pass was intercepted by Falcons safety Jessie Bates III, sealing the win for Atlanta.
Final: Falcons 22, Eagles 21
Both Teams Now Sitting at 1-1
The Falcons’ gritty win showcased their ability to execute under pressure, with key contributions from Cousins, Robinson, and Koo. With both teams now sitting at 1-1, the Falcons head into Week 3 looking to build on this momentum. Join the conversation and discover how the world of sports extends beyond the playing field at Info Decon.
