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People forget that Atlanta scored a whole 3 more points than their defense gave up. They were right in the middle of the NFL in ratings for both offense and defense. The Eagles, on the other hand, were tied with the Patriots in terms of points given up by defense. Their offense ain't bad either. With Trotter inserted into middle linebacker, the Eagles rushing yards given up per game dropped considerably.
Putting up 47 points on STL is good and all but STL is one of the worst defenses in the game, and you did that at home on turf in a dome. Going to Philly outside in subzero temperatures on the raod is going to hurt. Philly was 8-1 at home (indeed undefeated til they put their starters on the bench at the end of hte year) while Falcons were 4-4 on the road.
Sure numbers aren't everything at all in football but the media is overrating Atlanta hugely. Its like defense in baseball - often the best defenders are the ones who don't need the highlight reel plays - they do it good constantly and consistently.
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