Fansided

5 players the Eagles need to play well to beat the Falcons

By Jakob Ashlin

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 03: Jalen Reagor #18 and Jalen Hurts #2 of the Philadelphia Eagles react against the Washington Football Team at Lincoln Financial Field on January 3, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 03: Jalen Reagor #18 and Jalen Hurts #2 of the Philadelphia Eagles react against the Washington Football Team at Lincoln Financial Field on January 3, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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DeVonta Smith, Philadelphia Eagles
DeVonta Smith, Philadelphia Eagles. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

DeVonta Smith

After the surprising release of Travis Fulgham, the pressure is on rookie DeVonta Smith and second-year wide receiver Jalen Reagor to produce. Fulgham led the Eagles with 539 receiving yards last season.

The reigning Heisman Trophy winner will have a dream matchup in Week 1. Pro Football Focus ranked Atlanta’s secondary as the worst in the NFL entering the 2021 season.

"The Falcons will need better play out of their young cornerbacks, as well. None of A.J. Terrell, Isaiah Oliver and Kendall Sheffield have recorded a coverage grade higher than 60.0 in the past two seasons."

Smith will likely be matched up with A.J. Terrell for the majority of the game. Terrell was a first-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Terrell has all the tools of a great cornerback, but as a rookie, he allowed 936 receiving yards and 13.6 yards per reception in 14 games.

As I previously mentioned, the Falcons defense allowed the most passing yards in the NFL last season, and the front office did not do enough in the offseason to improve their secondary. I would not be surprised to see Smith have a big debut game.

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