Posted January 14, 2018 at 06:30 AM | Updated January 14, 2018 at 06:32 AM
Who earned an A? Were there any Fs? Here's the report card from the Eagles' 15-10 playoff win over the Falcons.
NFL: NFC Divisional Playoff-Atlanta Falcons at Philadelphia Eagles
Eric Hartline
Grading the Eagles
PHILADELPHIA — The Eagles knew the odds were stacked against them. So few in their right mind felt this team — absent Carson Wentz — could win a playoff game, especially not one against the reigning NFC champion Falcons.
It's all those in the locker room heard all week. Despite being the No. 1 seed, they'd be one-and-done in the playoffs. When the conference championships were played, they'd be watching on their couch.
"Just keep on disrespecting and we're going to keep proving people wrong," wideout Alshon Jeffery said
Thanks to a dominant defensive effort a mistake-free performance from Nick Foles, the Eagles stunned the Falcons at Lincoln Financial field on Saturday, pulling out an impressive 15-10 victory. It wasn't pretty, but Philly did just enough to advance to the NFC Championship game. They'll host the winner of the Saints-Vikings game Sunday afternoon.
Who particularly played well in the victory? Did the Eagles survive a down performances from someone else? Here's the report card.
QUARTERBACKS
The Eagles didn't ask Nick Foles to win them this game. They just begged him not to be the reason they lost. Foles executed Dog Pederson's conservative game plan perfectly, finishing 23 of 30 for 246 yards. The main takeaway: He didn't turn it over. As long as Foles plays mistake-free football, the Eagles have a chance to win.
THE GRADE: B
RUNNING BACKS
LeGarrette Blount (9-19-touchdown) and Corey Clement (36 total yards) were solid, but the real star on offense was Jay Ajayi. He totaled 54 rushing yards on 15 carries, and added another 44 as a receiver. His 32-yard catch-and-run helped set up the Eagles' first field goal of the third quarter.
THE GRADE: A