ESPN's Monday Night Football kicks off with two teams beginning new eras in their respective franchises. The Atlanta Falcons begin 2015 with Dan Quinn taking over as head coach with a slew of new coordinators and rookies looking to make an impact early. The Philadelphia Eagles have Sam Bradford making his first official start for the franchise after they replaced a number of stars on the roster. The teams aim to get things started on a high note with a win on Monday.
The Falcons made several moves in the offseason to try and win sooner rather than later. After several down seasons, owner Arthur Blank told the media that they are trying to win immediately and not rebuild. They will do that with plenty of rookies set to make their NFL debuts on Monday. Tevin Coleman and Vic Beasley will be starting at kick off while Justin Hardy and Jalen Collins are expected to see time playing as well. That makes a lot of young players seeing action for a team looking to win now.
While youth will be present, the mainstay veterans are back in action. Julio Jones comes into the first game with a new contract to his name that makes him the highest-paid receiver in the league. He joins Roddy White and Matt Ryan as the offense's playmakers. Desmond Trufant is expected to play after missing the preseason while Devin Hester will be out with turf toe issues.
The Eagles comes in with a revamped roster headlined by Bradford at quarterback. After back-to-back seasons ruined by ACL tears, the quarterback is anxious to return to the field in a regular season game. Bradford has plenty of help around him. The Eagles acquired DeMarco Murray in the offseason as he returns from leading the NFL in rushing. Jordan Matthews steps into the leading receiver role with DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin and LeSean McCoy all gone. Rookie Nelson Agholor will join him as the Eagles hope he can make an impact early.
The Eagles have the offense that could throw off the Falcons, but Quinn has been stressing fast and physical as fans certainly hope Atlanta's defense picks up traits from the Seattle Seahawks. Monday Night Football is sure to not disappoint.