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| Authored by Ryan Sleeper - 13th September, 2005 - 1:21 pm
 Philadelphia handily defeated Atlanta Monday night 4-1?
?but enough about the National League East.
The NATIONAL. FOOTBALL. LEAGUE. Has returned, and another season of Monday Night Football is upon us.
Hello once again, my Monday Night Maniacs, our seven-month hiatus seems to get longer each year.
For the Falcons? Kevin Mathis and Eagles? Jeremiah Trotter, the final 34 minutes of the off-season proved to be 34 minutes too long, as the two defenders were ejected for a pre-game scuffle that occurred in plain view of an official. Luckily the ref?s laundry had already been dried, as he was able to promptly throw the first flag of the Monday Night season nearly an hour before the game actually started! Upon further review in the replay booth, it was determined that both players threw punches, and an irreversible ejection was given to each.
If this scene was not bizarre enough, several minutes later both teams met at midfield for what could potentially have been an all out riot. Oddly however, both teams remained on their respective sides of the field, and began jumping up and down in an effort to intimidate the opposition. I must admit, this must have been the silliest spectacle I have ever witnessed in professional football. I did not know if I was watching a rematch of the NFC championship game or a re-run of ABC?s Dancing With the Stars.
The game started almost as sloppy as Evander Holyfield?s Waltz. After an interception each by Michael Vick and Donovan McNabb, kicker David Akers would miss a 49 yard field goal attempt. The first points of the game would come 12 minutes into the first quarter, after Vick?s elusive feet propelled him on a 7-yard touchdown run. More dancing would follow.
The Falcons seemed to be cruising after a 59-yard pass on their very next drive set up a 1-yard touchdown run for fullback T.J. Duckett. The long pass play matched Philadelphia?s total for 40+ yard pass plays allowed from a year ago. The scoring play would come just 180 seconds after Atlanta?s last touchdown run.
The Eagles would get themselves right back into the game after beginning the second quarter with a 9-play, 78 yard drive that was capped by Brian Westbrook?s 9-yard touchdown reception.
Later in the half, Philadelphia would have the opportunity to pull within four points (14-10), but Akers missed his second 49-yard field goal attempt with 1:05 remaining in the second quarter. Akers certainly did not help his case this game in his chase to break his own record for most 40+ yard field goals made in a single season (17), which he was able to do last year.
The second half would become a battle of the solid defenses from both teams. Only Akers would put a crooked number up on the scoreboard after redeeming himself by notching a 44-yarder with 9:20 left in the game.
However, the Atlanta Falcons would have the last dance, as Philadelphia?s last hope bounced behind Terrell Owens who was covered well by DeAngelo Hall on McNabb?s fourth and ten desperation heave.
T.O. and Philly, You Got Served.
Monday Night?s ?Man Amongst Boys?: Michael Vick. While the Falcon?s never truly got their passing game going (only 23 pass attempts and 59/156 yards coming on one play), Vick was able to keep the Eagles? D guessing by doing what he does best, taking off on runs at will. He was able to gain 68 yards and maintain a nice 6.2 yards per carry average while also adding a touchdown run.
Monday Night?s ?Moron?: Jeremiah Trotter. It was foolish of Trotter, Philadelphia?s best linebacker, to get caught up in a meaningless fist fight with an all but meaningless player, Kevin Mathis. The ejection proved painfully costly to his team?s containment of Vick and the Falcons, as they were able to gain an impressive 200 yards on the ground, and also score both of their touchdowns on runs. I honestly believe that the Eagles would have won this game had Trotter kept his cool. |
