By Peter Gleason
If you’re looking for a tipping-point match-up in today’s Eagles-Falcons game, try:
Jay Ajayi against the Atlanta run D.
Ajayi has already found success against the Falcons this year. While still playing for the Dolphins in a Week 6 meeting with the Falcons, Ajayi ran 26 times for 130 yards, the most Atlanta gave up to any one running back this season.
And though he has averaged 5.8 yards per carry while in Philly, the third-year running back has not had more than 15 carries in any game with the team. That should change today, with the Eagles likely doing all they can to limit backup quarterback Nick Foles’ role.
But Atlanta’s rush defense steadily improved since its last meeting with Ajayi, as no other rusher cracked 100 yards during the regular season.
The Los Angeles Rams’ Todd Gurley netted 101 rushing yards in last week’s wild-card game but still was largely kept in check.
Breakout linebacker Deion Jones and the rest of the defense should be able to focus on Ajayi, with the defense likely challenging Foles to prove he can beat it on the outside.
