Philly Leader

The Philadelphia Eagles are preparing for their Monday Night Football home opener against the Atlanta Falcons on September 16, following a victory over the Green Bay Packers. Here are seven key takeaways from that game:

1. Lane Johnson's career merits consideration for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The five-time Pro Bowl and four-time All-Pro selection is in his 12th season, tying Jason Peters and Jerry Sisemore for the second-most seasons by an Eagles offensive lineman in the Super Bowl Era. Johnson also tied Jon Runyan for the sixth-most regular-season games played by an Eagles offensive lineman in this era.

2. The Eagles have won each of their four kickoff weekend contests since 2021, joining Miami, New Orleans, and Tampa Bay in this achievement. Head Coach Nick Sirianni has led Philadelphia to these victories without playing at Lincoln Financial Field. "We haven't had a home game in four years as openers," Sirianni noted.

3. A.J. Brown surpassed 6,000 career receiving yards in his 78th game, becoming the 14th player in NFL history to reach this milestone within 78 or fewer contests.

4. Saquon Barkley became the first Eagle since Jordan Howard in 2019 to post at least two rushing touchdowns and one receiving touchdown in a single game. His three touchdowns were the most by an Eagle debuting since Terrell Owens in 2004.

5. Philadelphia's offense generated five plays of over 20 yards and another for 18 yards—all from shotgun formation.

6. The upcoming Monday night game will be the third consecutive season where the Eagles face Kirk Cousins as a starting quarterback during Week 2 at Lincoln Financial Field.

7. Rookie cornerback Quinyon Mitchell played extensively during his debut, earning praise from Sirianni: "The moment is never too big for him... He's very calm and poised when the ball is in the air."