For the third straight year, the Eagles will face a Kirk Cousins-led team in Week 2 prime time. Two years ago, the Eagles defeated the Vikings 24-7 on Monday Night Football, and last year they won 34-28. This time, Cousins is suiting up for the Falcons, but the Eagles are aiming to keep their win streak going. A fun fact: Kirk Cousins holds a 11-21-1 record in September, while the Eagles haven’t lost in the month in two years. Let’s take a look at some key matchups that could determine the outcome of this game.

1. Eagles Linebackers vs. Bijan Robinson

The strength of the Eagles’ linebacker corps lies in their ability to play downhill and make tackles. Nakobe Dean and Zack Baun will face a tough test against Bijan Robinson, the Falcons’ elite running back. However, while the Eagles’ linebackers excel in run defense, pass coverage is a concern. If the Falcons line up Robinson on Texas routes or send him out on more than just simple checkdowns, Dean and Baun will be tested all night. Baun has shown some promise in coverage, but Dean’s struggles in this area make this a key matchup to watch.

2. Defensive Line Must Pressure Kirk Cousins

One of the biggest takeaways from the Eagles’ last game was the lack of consistent pressure from their defensive line, aside from standout rookie Jalen Carter. While field conditions were less than ideal, contributing to EDGE rushers slipping, the Eagles are now back on their home turf at the Linc. The Falcons’ offensive line is solid on paper, but last week against the Steelers, they allowed five QB hits and two sacks. Cousins, who is coming off an Achilles injury, looks even less mobile than usual. If the Eagles’ pass rush can get home, they’ll have opportunities to rack up sacks and disrupt Cousins’ rhythm, which could be pivotal for the game’s outcome.

3. Get DeVonta Smith Going Early

With A.J. Brown out, DeVonta Smith becomes the primary target in the passing game. While losing a star receiver like Brown would typically be a big issue for most teams, the Eagles are fortunate to have Smith, who is one of the league’s most talented wideouts. Smith may not always get the recognition he deserves, but he’s more than capable of stepping into the spotlight. The last time Brown missed a game, Smith delivered a monster performance (8 receptions, 148 yards). Getting him involved early will open up opportunities for other playmakers, but I expect tight end Dallas Goedert to stand out in this game. His ability to find space and make big plays in key moments could be crucial for the Eagles’ offense.

By focusing on these key areas, the Eagles can position themselves well for another win. If the defense applies pressure and Smith steps up, look for Dallas Goedert to be the x-factor in moving the chains and keeping drives alive.