In front of a national audience, the Atlanta Falcons avenged their recent losses to the Philadelphia Eagles and earned their first victory of the 2019 season.
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It was truly a group effort with big plays from the offense, defense and special teams, signaling a major turnaround from Atlanta's Week 1 performance against the Minnesota Vikings. There were several players who had some perception-changing games, so let's take a moment to give some shoutouts to Falcons with stocks on the rise.
Desmond Trufant
This offseason Trufant told AtlantaFalcons.com’s Kelsey Conway that in order to become a top-tier cornerback, he needed to make more "game-changing" plays. Well, he made a few on Sunday night. Trufant picked off Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz late in the first quarter, ending a drive that had moved into Falcons territory, and he then followed that up in the second quarter with another interception that led to Atlanta's first touchdown of the game. Trufant's hands betrayed him at times in 2018, but he was crucial in helping the Falcons build some early momentum in this one.
Calvin Ridley
Julio Jones may have been the savior for Atlanta against the Eagles, but it was Ridley who looked like a No. 1 receiver for much of the game. Philadelphia didn't seem to have much of an answer in the first half for Ridley, who had 91 yards in the first two quarters, including a 34-yard touchdown catch. The second-year receiver was targeted 10 times and finished with eight catches for 105 yards and the score. It was his second career 100-yard game.
Isaiah Oliver
One week after a tough matchup against Adam Thielen, Oliver rebounded to make several plays against the Eagles. The former second-round pick showcased his length on two pass breakups and also finished with five tackles. He was part of a secondary that mostly blanketed a depleted Eagles receiving corps, and his development will be very important for Atlanta's success this season.
Ito Smith
The Falcons didn't get much going on the ground Sunday night, but a 28-yard run by Smith late in the third quarter set Atlanta up inside of the red zone with a chance to really take command of the game.
It was the second consecutive game in which Smith showcased great vision, patience and agility, and he led the Falcons with 32 yards on four carries. With more plays like the one above, Smith will make a strong case to get more touches.
Vic Beasley
Boy did Beasley need to make a big play, and he came through with one late for Atlanta. Beasley notched his first sack of the season on the final drive of the game, setting up a fourth-and-long. He very nearly recorded one on the Eagles' previous drive that would have likely ended a series that led to a Philadelphia touchdown, but Wentz somehow got the pass off to convert a third down. Beasley created some nice pressure throughout the game and finished with three hits on Wentz.
CB Desmond Trufant earned the Sunday Night Football player of the game ball for a reason. He was relentless the entire game. Here are our photography team's favorite images from Week 2 in this gallery, presented by Woolfson Eye Institute.
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Desmond Trufant #21 is presented with a game ball after the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday September 15, 2019. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Desmond Trufant #21 intercepts the ball during the first quarter of the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday September 15, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Desmond Trufant #21 intercepts the ball during the first quarter of the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday September 15, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Desmond Trufant #21 runs after an interception during the second quarter of the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday September 15, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Desmond Trufant #21 reacts during the first quarter of the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday September 15, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons free safety Ricardo Allen #37 celebrates after breaking up a pass in the end zone during the second quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday September 15, 2019. (Photo by Jacob Gonzalez/Atlanta Falcons)
Members of the Bird Gang participate in the Bird Walk before the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday September 15, 2019. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 drops back to pass during the first quarter of the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday September 15, 2019. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Mohamed Sanu #12 runs the ball during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday September 15, 2019. (Photo by Lynn Bass/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 runs the ball for a 54-yard touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday September 15, 2019. (Photo by Lynn Bass/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Matt Bryant #3 kicks a field goal during the first quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday September 15, 2019. (Photo by Lynn Bass/Atlanta Falcons)
A general view of the coin toss before the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Philadelphia Eagles at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday September 15, 2019. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
A fan cheers during the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday September 15, 2019. (Photo by Kelly Kline/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 takes the field before the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday September 15, 2019. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Matt Bryant #3 warms up before the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday September 15, 2019. (Photo by Lynn Bass/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett #97 celebrates after the Atlanta Falcons defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 24-20 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday September 15, 2019. (Photo by Kelly Kline/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 scores a touchdown during the second quarter of the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday September 15, 2019. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 scores a touchdown during the third quarter of the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday September 15, 2019. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 scores a 54-yard touchdown during the fourth quarter of the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday September 15, 2019. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 scrambles during the third quarter of the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday September 15, 2019. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Isaiah Oliver #26 reacts after the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday September 15, 2019. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 scores a touchdown during the second quarter of the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday September 15, 2019. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 scores a touchdown during the second quarter of the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday September 15, 2019. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett #97 reacts after sacking Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz #11 during the second quarter of the game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday September 15, 2019. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons offensive tackle Kaleb McGary #76 reacts after the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday September 15, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 and wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 walk through the tunnel to the field before the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday September 15, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons middle linebacker Duke Riley #42 breaks down the huddle with center Alex Mack #51 before the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday September 15, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
A general view of Mercedes-Benz Stadium before the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Philadelphia Eagles in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday September 15, 2019. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Rapper Big Boi blows the train horn before the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Philadelphia Eagles at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday September 15, 2019. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett #97 gestures before the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday September 15, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
A general view of the roof opening at Mercedes-Benz Stadium at seen through the goalpost before the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Philadelphia Eagles in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday September 15, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Vic Beasley, Jr. #44 sacks Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz #11 during the game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday September 15, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons strong safety Damontae Kazee #27 reacts during the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday September 15, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
The Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders perform during the pre-game show before the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday September 15, 2019. (Photo by Jacob Gonzalez/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett #97 sacks Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz #11 during the second quarter of the game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday September 15, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday September 15, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Takk McKinley #98 sacks Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz #11 during the second half of the game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday September 15, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 tackles Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Ronald Darby #21 during the game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday September 15, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett #97 reacts after sacking Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz #11 during the second quarter of the game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday September 15, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 scores a touchdown during the second quarter of the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday September 15, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Austin Hooper #81 carries the ball during the first quarter of the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday September 15, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons free safety Ricardo Allen #37 reacts during the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday September 15, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons middle linebacker Duke Riley #42 fired up before the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday September 15, 2019. (Photo by Jacob Gonzalez/Atlanta Falcons)
A general view the game of game between the Philadelphia Eagles at Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday September 15, 2019. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons in the huddle before the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday September 15, 2019. (Photo by Jacob Gonzalez/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Isaiah Oliver #26 and strong safety Keanu Neal #22 tackle Philadelphia Eagles tight end Zach Ertz #86 during the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday September 15, 2019. (Photo by Jacob Gonzalez/Atlanta Falcons)
A general view the game between the Philadelphia Eagles at Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday September 15, 2019. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 takes the field before the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday September 15, 2019. (Photo by Jacob Gonzalez/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons offensive guard Jamon Brown #68 takes the field before the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday September 15, 2019. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 catches the ball for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday September 15, 2019. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Fans participate in the Bird Walk before the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday September 15, 2019. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons free safety Ricardo Allen #37 celebrates after defeating the Philadelphia Eagles 24-20 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday September 15, 2019. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
