In his first game as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, Dan Quinn knew that slowing down the Eagles' ground attack would be key in coming away with a victory in their season opener. After all, Philadelphia's backfield features last season's rushing champion DeMarco Murray, two-time 1,000-yard rusher Ryan Mathews and dynamic multi-use back Darren Sproles, and as defensive coordinator of the Seattle Seahawks in 2013 and 2014 Quinn's group allowed the fewest ground yards in the NFL.
While the Eagles were able to gain 336 yards through the air against Atlanta, the Falcons' defense effectively shut down a running back group that is arguably the most talented in recent memory. On the day, Philadelphia rushed for just 63 yards on 16 attempts, with Murray and Mathews combining for just 13 yards on 11 carries.
"They're a good defense, a good defensive line," said Murray after the 26-24 road loss. "We'll watch the film, and we'll work on it ... We've got to all be on the same page and execute better as an offense, but it's a long season and we'll learn from it."
Although Murray carried the ball just eight times, marking the first time since 2013 that he's failed to hit double-digit attempts in a game, he expressed support in head coach Chip Kelly's game plan.
"Obviously you want to get more opportunities. I think not only myself, but everyone wants the ball as many times as they can to help this team out," he said. "(Chip Kelly) is a great offensive coordinator, a great coach, so whatever he decides to do we're all for it."
Despite only touching the ball 12 times total on the day (eight carries and four receptions), Murray scored two touchdowns in Monday's game, one on the ground and one in the air. It marked his eighth consecutive game with a rushing touchdown, the longest active streak in the NFL.
The #Eagles began Week 1 of the regular season in Atlanta for Monday Night Football. View the full gallery here...
RB Ryan Mathews turns it up
RB DeMarco Murray defends on the run
It's time for #PHIvsATL
DB Randall Evans stretches during pregame
G Brett Boyko warms up
The #Eagles prepare
LB Bryan Braman is focused during pregame
FlyEaglesFly!
Philly fans have made it!
Ready to fly!
Mike Quick meets some dedicated #Eagles fans during pregame
It's almost game time!
Defensive Coordinator Bill Davis waits for game time
RB DeMarco Murray gets ready for #PHIvsATL
QB Sam Bradford makes his debut
QB Sam Bradford takes snaps during pregame
RB Darren Sproles warms up in Atlanta
TE Zach Ertz is ready for Week 1
WR Riley Cooper and Offensive Coordinator Pat Shurmur are locked in
QB Sam Bradford warms up with a few throws
WR Nelson Agholor warms up
Ready for the throw
QB Sam Bradford makes the throw
The #Eagles Defense makes the stop
LB Brandon Graham makes the tackle
DE Taylor Hart goes up for the block
LB Brandon Graham holds on for the tackle
Excitement after LB Kiko Alonso's interception
WR Josh Huff runs the ball
QB Sam Bradford finds the open receiver
DT Bennie Logan makes the stop
CB Byron Maxwell breaks up the pass
The line goes to work
The coin toss
RB Darren Sproles holds onto the ball
WR Riley Cooper finds his route
WR Jordan Matthews tries to break free from the tackle
QB Sam Bradford makes the throw to his receiver
TE Zach Ertz works for the yards
RB DeMarco Murray changes direction
K Cody Parkey kicks one in
DB Walter Thurmond with the stop
QB Sam Bradford scrambles
Eagles Defense
DE Fletcher Cox forces the fumble
RB Darren Sproles moves to the outside
Breaking free
K Cody Parkey goes for the extra point
P Donnie Jones congratulates K Cody Parkey
S Chris Maragos gets in on the tackle
CB Nolan Carroll defends the play
RB Darren Sproles tries to run through the tackle
LB Brandon Graham closes in
DE Cedric Thornton gets up for the block
LB Connor Barwin goes for the fumble
DE Fletcher Cox is fired up
T Lane Johnson goes for the block
Fired up!
WR Miles Austin pushes for more
TE Zach Ertz protects the ball
QB Sam Bradford in the spotlight
RB Darren Sproles runs from the traffic
RB Ryan Mathews braces for the hit
RB DeMarco Murray scores a touchdown
Congratulations all around
DT Bennie Logan stops Atlanta
RB DeMarco Murray scores his second touchdown of the night
The #Eagles defense is putting up a wall
Keep pushing through!
TE Zach Ertz moves around the tackle
On fire!
RB DeMarco Murray shows what he's got!
CB Byron Maxwell gets ahold of the runner
T Allen Barbre gives RB Ryan Mathews a little extra help with the touchdown
The #Eagles celebrate RB Ryan Mathews' touchdown
High-fives all around!
We love #EaglesNation!
RB Ryan Mathews steers through traffic
S Malcolm Jenkins comes through with a huge stop
WR Jordan Matthews is in the clear
Teamwork!
WR Jordan Matthews is off to the races
QB Sam Bradford has time to make the throw
RB Darren Sproles makes them miss
WR Riley Cooper moves quickly
RB Ryan Mathews finds the opening
S Malcolm Jenkins holds on to make the big stop
LB Kiko Alonso congratulates S Malcolm Jenkins on the stop
