Here are some of the key matchups to keep an eye on this Sunday when the 4-1 Atlanta Falcons visit the Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field ...
*RB LeSean McCoy vs. OLB Sean Weatherspoon *
The second-year running back has had an outstanding start to the 2010 season. McCoy has 365 rushing yards, at an average of 5.4 yards per carry, and a team-high 28 receptions. He has also scored five touchdowns. McCoy is much more decisive in his decision making and his lower body is stronger, which makes it much tougher to tackle him. In last week's win over the 49ers, McCoy accumulated 138 all-purpose yards and scored a touchdown despite playing with a rib injury. Now, Weatherspoon did suffer a knee injury in last Sunday's win over the Browns. Falcons head coach Mike Smith said he would update his status on Wednesday.
SS Quintin Mikell vs. RB Michael TurnerThe All-Pro returned a fumble 52 yards for his first career touchdown in last week's win over the 49ers. Mikell finished the game with two fumble recoveries. Much like the 49ers, the Falcons focus heavily on the ground game led by running back Michael Turner. Mikell will be counted upon to step up in the box to make sure that Turner, a hard-nosed runner, doesn't break off big gains.
LB Stewart Bradley vs. TE Tony GonzalezThe future Hall of Fame tight end doesn't appear to show any signs of slowing down despite being in his 13th NFL season. Gonzalez is quarterback Matt Ryan's security blanket and the two have established a good rapport. Gonzalez is second on the Falcons with 24 catches for 246 yards and a touchdown this season. Gonzalez can be dangerous over the middle and down the seam, especially with talented wideout Roddy White commanding plenty of attention.
UPDATED: OT King Dunlap vs. DE John AbrahamHere's all you needs to know about Abraham, a 10-year veteran. The Falcons are 8-1 when Abraham has two or more sacks in a game. Abraham added two more in last week's win over the Cleveland Browns. Abraham leads the team with 4.0 sacks this season and it wasn't that long ago when he totaled a franchise-record 16.5 sacks, back in 2008. Originally a first-round pick of the New York Jets in 2000, Abraham has had five seasons with double-digit sacks. King Dunlap starts for Jason Peters. It will be the third-year vet's first career start.
For our complete Game Preview with complete team breakdown and analysis, click here.
-- Posted by Chris McPherson, 2:50 a.m., October 13
