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Eagles Defense Braces For High-Flying Falcons

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- In a year where the race to the Super Bowl in the NFC is wide open, the Atlanta Falcons have emerged as a serious contender.

The Falcons are 6-3 and sitting atop the NFC South. Atlanta has been led by its high-powered offense, which is ranked second in the NFL. Atlanta boasts a host of weapons with the likes of star Wide Receiver Julio Jones and Running Back Devonta Freeman. Quarterback Matt Ryan leads the NFL in passing, and the William Penn Charter graduate is playing some of the best football of his career. All in all, it adds up to a tall order for Jim Schwartz's defense.

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"They're not a one-trick pony," said Schwartz. "You talk about Matt Ryan, we talk about Julio Jones, but they run the ball very well. Their stats aren't great running the ball, but they're significant. They've got a running back that can break anywhere."

Ryan has thrown 23 touchdown passes and only four interceptions this season. Schwartz has seen enough of Ryan to know how dangerous the quarterback can be, but believes he has taken his game to another level in 2016.

"He's always been a guy that's had command of the offense," Schwartz said. "He's playing with a lot of confidence. I think that has a lot to do with quarterback play. I think it's all fitting together."

The Eagles will get a big boost on defense this Sunday when Bennie Logan returns from a groin injury. Schwartz had high praise for his defensive lineman and Logan knows he will have to be at his best when he lines up against the Falcons.

"Their offense is one of the best offenses in the league," said Logan. "They have a lot of weapons. They do a good job in the running game and the passing game. Matt Ryan's on fire and Julio's on fire."

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At 4-4, the Eagles are at a crossroads in the 2016 season. A win over Atlanta would put the Eagles back in the playoff picture, while a loss would put them under .500 and in dire straits in the NFC.

"We've been feeding off the fans all season long," Logan said. "They do a great job with the home advantage for us. We've got to take this game and run with it. We've got to really just finish the second half of the season strong, build on a win on Sunday and just go from there."

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