In a low-scoring affair, it was the Eagles who are flying high thanks to a late defensive stand, giving Philadelphia a 15-10 win over the Atlanta Falcons in the Divisional Round of the NFC playoffs.
Former DeSoto standout Jalen Mills was in coverage on fourth down and goal with a minute remaining in the game as Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan was not able to connect with Julio Jones. It capped off a strong defensive effort from the Eagles, holding Atlanta to 281 yards of offense and 10 points.
On offense, former Austin Westlake quarterback Nick Foles managed the game well after a slow start, finishing 23-of-30 for 246 yards. Foles had stepped in towards the end of the season for Carson Wentz, who was lost for the year due to a torn ACL.
The first half was filled with bounces that led to drastic momentum swings. After a pass interference call on the opening play, Philadelphia lost the momentum quickly with after Jay Ajayi lost a fumble that was recovered by Atlanta.
The Falcons would drive down the field and cash in a 33-yard field goal from Matt Bryant (Bridge City) to make it 3-0 late in the first quarter.
After the two teams exchanged punts, the Eagles would get on the board after a wild sequence. Nick Foles recovered his own fumble for an apparent touchdown that was later overturned on replay. LeGarrette Blount would run for a score on the next play to put the Eagles on the board 6-3.
After a muffed punt by Philadelphia, Atlanta would get on the board as Ryan found Devonta Freeman for a six-yard touchdown to make it 10-6. The Eagles would catch another break late I the half, as Foles found Torrey Smith off of a deflected pass that led to a Jake Elliott 53-yard field goal to make it 10-9.
In the second half, Foles was able to find his rhythm and mix in a balance of the running game with former Frisco Liberty star Jay Ajayi. Ajayi finished the game with __ yards on the night.
Elliott would add field goals of 37 and 21 yards respectively and the Eagles defense made several timely stops, including the goal line stand during the last minute of the game that gave the Eagles the win.
Philadelphia advances to the NFC Championship game next week against the winner of New Orleans-Minnesota who face off on Sunday. The win also guarantees that there will be a former Texas high school football quarterback that will be representing their team in the Super Bowl.
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