The Atlanta Falcons vs Philadelphia Eagles Match Player Stats have a storied rivalry in the NFL, with their matchups often delivering unforgettable moments. Their September 16, 2024, clash at Lincoln Financial Field was no exception, as the Falcons pulled off a stunning 22-21 victory against the odds. This game, marked by a 99.3% win probability for the Eagles with less than two minutes left, showcased clutch performances, game-changing plays, and a dramatic finish. In this article, we’ll break down the key player stats, highlight standout performances, and analyze what made this game a classic. Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or just curious about the numbers, this easy-to-read guide will walk you through the action in a way anyone can understand.
Game Overview: A Comeback for the Ages
The Atlanta Falcons vs. Philadelphia Eagles game on September 16, 2024, was a Monday Night Football spectacle that left fans speechless. The Falcons, trailing 21-15 with just 1:39 remaining and no timeouts, faced a 99.3% chance of defeat, according to NFL Next Gen Stats. Yet, quarterback Kirk Cousins led a lightning-fast 70-yard drive in just 65 seconds, culminating in a game-winning touchdown to Drake London. The Eagles, despite dominating possession for over 35 minutes compared to Atlanta’s 24, couldn’t seal the deal, thanks to a critical dropped pass by Saquon Barkley and a game-ending interception by Jessie Bates III.
This game wasn’t just about the final score—it was a showcase of individual brilliance, strategic execution, and moments that shifted momentum. Let’s dive into the player stats and see who made the difference.
Key Player Stats: Atlanta Falcons
Kirk Cousins (Quarterback)
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Passing: 20/29, 241 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs
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Completion Percentage: 69.0%
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Clutch Moment: 5/6 for 70 yards on the game-winning drive
Kirk Cousins was the heart of Atlanta’s improbable comeback. Despite questions about his health following a 2023 Achilles injury, he showed why the Falcons invested $180 million in him. His precision on the final drive, including a 7-yard touchdown pass to Drake London with 34 seconds left, was nothing short of heroic. Cousins’ ability to stay calm under pressure, especially against a tough Eagles defense, earned him the Game MVP honors. His 241 passing yards and two touchdowns with zero turnovers highlighted his efficiency, proving that elite quarterback play can flip even the slimmest odds.
Bijan Robinson (Running Back)
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Rushing: 14 carries, 97 yards, 6.9 yards per carry
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Receiving: 4 catches, 25 yards
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Total Yards from Scrimmage: 122 yards
Bijan Robinson was a dynamic force, averaging an explosive 6.9 yards per carry. Despite fewer attempts than Philadelphia’s Saquon Barkley, Robinson outgained him (97 to 95 rushing yards) and showcased his versatility with four receptions. His runs stretched the Eagles’ defense, setting up play-action opportunities for Cousins. A fumble in the fourth quarter could have been costly, but Robinson’s overall impact was undeniable, especially in keeping Atlanta’s offense balanced.
Drake London (Wide Receiver)
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Receiving: 6 catches, 54 yards, 1 TD
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Key Play: 7-yard game-winning TD catch
Drake London’s stat line may not scream dominance, but his clutch performance was pivotal. His precise route-running against Eagles cornerback Darius Slay resulted in the game-winning 7-yard touchdown catch with 34 seconds remaining. London’s ability to deliver in high-pressure situations made him a key target for Cousins and a fan favorite in Atlanta.
Darnell Mooney (Wide Receiver)
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Receiving: 3 catches, 88 yards, 1 TD
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Highlight: 41-yard TD reception in Q3
Darnell Mooney flipped the game’s momentum with a spectacular 41-yard touchdown catch in the third quarter. His ability to break free from coverage and somersault into the end zone forced Philadelphia to rethink their defensive strategy. Mooney’s explosive playmaking added a big-play threat to Atlanta’s offense, complementing their ground game.
Younghoe Koo (Kicker)
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Field Goals: 3/3, including a 34-yard FG
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Extra Points: 1/1, including a clutch 48-yard PAT after a penalty
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Impact: Provided the one-point margin of victory
Younghoe Koo’s perfect kicking performance was crucial in a one-point game. His 48-yard extra point, pushed back due to a penalty, was a high-pressure kick that secured the 22-21 lead. Koo’s reliability under pressure was a difference-maker, especially in a game where every point mattered.
Jessie Bates III (Safety)
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Tackles: 12 (led all players)
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Interceptions: 1 (game-sealing INT)
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Key Moment: Intercepted Jalen Hurts with 27 seconds left
Jessie Bates III was a defensive rock, leading all players with 12 tackles. His game-sealing interception of Jalen Hurts with 27 seconds remaining ensured Atlanta’s victory. Bates’ ability to read the play and pick off a deep ball intended for DeVonta Smith was a masterclass in defensive instincts, erasing Philadelphia’s chance to respond.
Key Player Stats: Philadelphia Eagles
Jalen Hurts (Quarterback)
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Passing: 23/30, 183 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
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Rushing: 13 carries, 85 yards, 1 TD
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Completion Percentage: 76.7%
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Critical Error: Interception with 27 seconds left
Jalen Hurts had a solid game statistically, with a higher completion percentage than Cousins (76.7% vs. 69.0%) and a dual-threat performance that included 85 rushing yards and a 1-yard “tush push” touchdown. However, his late interception to Jessie Bates III was a backbreaker, costing the Eagles a chance to set up a game-tying field goal. Hurts’ versatility kept Philadelphia in control for much of the game, but his final mistake overshadowed an otherwise strong outing.
Saquon Barkley (Running Back)
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Rushing: 22 carries, 95 yards, 4.3 yards per carry
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Receiving: 2 catches, 16 yards, 1 TD
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Critical Error: Dropped pass on 3rd-and-3 with 1:46 left
Saquon Barkley, in his home debut for the Eagles, was a workhorse with 22 carries and a touchdown reception. His 95 rushing yards were just shy of Robinson’s total, but his dropped pass on a crucial third-down play late in the fourth quarter was a turning point. The drop forced the Eagles to settle for a 28-yard field goal, leaving the door open for Atlanta’s comeback. Barkley later took accountability, saying, “I dropped the ball, let my team down today. Shouldn’t have put the defense in that position.”
DeVonta Smith (Wide Receiver)
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Receiving: 7 catches, 76 yards
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Role: Primary target for Hurts
DeVonta Smith was Hurts’ go-to receiver, leading the Eagles with seven catches. While he didn’t find the end zone, his consistent production kept drives alive. The Eagles missed their deep threat A.J. Brown, which allowed Atlanta’s defense to focus on Smith, but he still managed to make an impact.
Jake Elliott (Kicker)
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Field Goals: 2/2, including a 28-yard FG
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Extra Points: 3/3
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Impact: Solid but outshone by Koo’s clutch kick
Jake Elliott was perfect on his kicks, including a 28-yard field goal that gave the Eagles a 21-15 lead with 1:39 remaining. However, his efforts weren’t enough to counter Koo’s game-defining 48-yard extra point for Atlanta.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson (Safety)
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Tackles: 8
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Key Play: Stopped Bijan Robinson on 4th-and-1
C.J. Gardner-Johnson made a massive play by stuffing Bijan Robinson on a 4th-and-1 run, giving the Eagles the ball back at Atlanta’s 39-yard line with 5:38 left. Despite the defensive stand, the Eagles couldn’t capitalize fully, and Gardner-Johnson later noted, “It’s do or die, him versus me. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the ultimate lead to win the game.”
Team Atlanta Falcons vs Philadelphia Eagles Match Player Stats Comparison
|
Stat |
Atlanta Falcons |
Philadelphia Eagles |
|---|---|---|
|
Total Yards |
385 | 365 |
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Turnovers |
0 | 1 |
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First Downs |
22 | 22 |
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Time of Possession |
24:21 | 35:39 |
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Yards per Play |
6.6 | 5.4 |
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Rushing Yards |
152 | 186 |
|
Passing Yards |
233 | 179 |
The Eagles dominated time of possession by over 11 minutes, but Atlanta’s efficiency (6.6 yards per play vs. 5.4) and zero turnovers proved decisive. The Falcons’ explosive plays, like Mooney’s 41-yard touchdown, and their ability to capitalize in crunch time outshone Philadelphia’s methodical approach.
Turning Points of the Game
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Mooney’s 41-Yard TD (Q3): Darnell Mooney’s touchdown catch in the third quarter gave Atlanta a 15-10 lead and shifted momentum, forcing the Eagles to play catch-up.
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Barkley’s Dropped Pass (Q4): With 1:46 left, Barkley’s drop on 3rd-and-3 prevented a first down that could have iced the game. The Eagles settled for a field goal, leaving Atlanta with a chance.
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Cousins’ Game-Winning Drive (Q4): Cousins went 5/6 for 70 yards, including the 7-yard TD to London, flipping a 99.3% loss probability in just 65 seconds.
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Bates’ Interception (Q4): Jessie Bates III’s pick of Hurts with 27 seconds left sealed the Falcons’ victory, ending Philadelphia’s hopes of a comeback.
Why the Falcons Won
The Falcons’ victory came down to three key factors:
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Clutch Execution: Kirk Cousins’ perfect game-winning drive and Younghoe Koo’s 48-yard extra point were executed flawlessly under pressure.
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Zero Turnovers: Atlanta played a clean game, while Philadelphia’s lone interception proved costly.
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Explosive Plays: Mooney’s 41-yard touchdown and Robinson’s 6.9 yards per carry kept the Eagles’ defense off balance.
The Eagles, despite controlling the clock and matching Atlanta in first downs, faltered in critical moments. Barkley’s drop and Hurts’ interception highlighted the fine margins in a one-point game.
Historical Context Atlanta Falcons vs Philadelphia Eagles Match Player Stats
The Atlanta Falcons vs Philadelphia Eagles Match Player Stats have faced off 37 times since 1966, with Philadelphia holding a 21-15-1 edge. This 2024 matchup added another chapter to their rivalry, which includes memorable games like the 2004 NFC Championship (Eagles won 27-10) and the 2017 Divisional Playoffs (Eagles won en route to Super Bowl 52). Atlanta’s 2024 victory, however, stands out as one of the most improbable, ranking as the seventh-most unlikely comeback since NFL Next Gen Stats began tracking win probability in 2016.
What This Means for Both Teams
For the Falcons, this win was a statement. It proved they can compete in hostile environments and validated their investment in Kirk Cousins. The victory also provided a tiebreaker advantage in the NFC playoff race. For the Eagles, the loss exposed vulnerabilities in closing out tight games. The absence of A.J. Brown limited their passing attack, and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio will need to address the pass rush’s failure to pressure Cousins on the final drive.
Fan Reactions and Game Impact
Fans at Lincoln Financial Field were left stunned as 69,879 witnessed Atlanta’s comeback. Social media buzzed with praise for Cousins’ poise and Bates’ clutch interception, while Eagles fans lamented Barkley’s drop and Hurts’ late mistake. This game will be remembered as an instant classic, reminding everyone that no lead is safe in the NFL until the final whistle.
How to Follow the Atlanta Falcons vs Philadelphia Eagles Match Player Stats
Want to keep up with these teams? Check out their official websites (nfl.com/falcons, philadelphiaeagles.com) for schedules, highlights, and player updates. For real-time stats and analysis, sites like ESPN, NFL.com, and Match Player Stats offer detailed breakdowns. You can also follow the teams on social media for fan reactions and behind-the-scenes content.
Conclusion
The Atlanta Falcons vs Philadelphia Eagles Match Player Stats on September 16, 2024, was a masterclass in NFL drama. Kirk Cousins’ clutch performance, Bijan Robinson’s explosive runs, and Jessie Bates III’s game-sealing interception powered Atlanta to a 22-21 victory against all odds. Meanwhile, Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley showed flashes of brilliance but were undone by critical errors. This game’s stats tell a story of efficiency beating volume, clutch plays trumping possession, and the unpredictability of football. Whether you’re a Falcons fan celebrating a historic win or an Eagles supporter looking for answers, this matchup delivered moments that will be talked about for years.