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SPORTSWednesday 16 September
NFL Roundup
Falcons edge Eagles 26-24 in Quinn debut
By PAUL NEWBERRY Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) makes a touchdown catch against Philadelphia Sproles led the way with 50
AP Sports Writer Eagles defensive back Byron Maxwell (31) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, yards on the ground.
ATLANTA (AP) -- In his first Sept. 14, 2015, in Atlanta. Coach Chip Kelly’s up-
game with that big con- tempo offense looked un-
tract, Julio Jones was worth Associated Press stoppable in the preseason
every penny. but bogged down in the
Jones hauled in nine passes Bryant’s fourth field goal of through the hands of Jor- in a trade with St. Louis, first half against the fired-
for 141 yards, including a the game, a 47-yarder with dan Matthews, sealing the was 36 of 52 for 336 yards. up Falcons, who hope the
pair of touchdowns, and 6:27 to go that turned out victory with 1:11 left. But Philadelphia’s much- energetic Quinn can turn
the Atlanta Falcons came to be the winner. ‘’They didn’t want to throw hyped running game, led things around from a 10-22
back after squandering a Cody Parkey was wide right it at my corners so they by newcomer DeMarco showing the last two sea-
17-point halftime lead to on a 44-yard field goal that threw it in the middle of Murray, was largely a bust. sons under Mike Smith.
beat the Philadelphia Ea- could have restored Phila- the field,’’ Allen said. ‘’They After leading the NFL with ‘’You just trust the prepa-
gles 26-24 Monday night in delphia’s lead. The Eagles tipped the ball and it land- 1,845 yards rushing in Dal- ration, let it rip and have
the coaching debut of Dan had one more chance, ed in my lap.’’ las last season, Murray was fun,’’ Quinn said. ‘’That’s
Quinn. but cornerback-turned- Bradford, in his first regular- held to 9 yards on eight what we did.’’
‘’Julio is an awesome play- safety Ricardo Allen inter- season game in nearly two carries. Ryan Mathews had Other than a 69-yard drive
er,’’ said Falcons quarter- cepted a pass that went years after being acquired only 4 yards, while Darren that led to a field goal, the
back Matt Ryan, who over- Eagles generated just 56
came a pair of costly inter- yards on their other seven
ceptions. ‘’He’s as good as first-half possessions - three
it gets, and we’re lucky to of which went three-and-
have him.’’ out, and another ended
Coming off the best season quickly when Bradford was
of his career, Jones was re- intercepted.
warded with a new $71.25 The deficit would have
million contract. Early on, been even bigger if not
he dominated the Eagles’ for Kiko Alonso’s dazzling
revamped secondary as one-handed interception
Atlanta raced to a 20-3 while falling backward in
halftime lead. the end zone.
Philadelphia rallied behind ‘’We couldn’t get anything
new quarterback Sam going in the first half,’’ Brad-
Bradford, taking the lead ford said.
for the first time at 24-23 on Jones repeatedly burned
Ryan Mathews’ 1-yard run new Eagles cornerback By-
with 8:37 remaining. ron Maxwell, including
Back came the Falcons, touchdowns of 4 and 22
driving into position for Matt yards. q
