Eagles up-down drill

UP - A forgotten running back the previous two games, Matthews was the workhorse in a much-needed victory. He rushed for more than 100 yards for the first time since Week 3 of last season and scored both of the Eagles' touchdowns.

UP - The rookie hadn't had more than four carries in a game stretching all the way back to Week 3 against the Steelers. But Smallwood was an effective complement to Mathews as a resurgent ground game balanced the Eagles offense.

UP - The Eagles finished with a 38:10 to 21:50 advantage in time of possession and a 76 to 48 advantage in plays vs. the Falcons. Pederson's run-heavy game plan was a solid one, although that third-and-goal outside run from the 1-yard line was probably overthinking things.

DOWN - It hasn't been a good year for the NFL zebras. Bad calls, missed ones, rules gaffes - officials' mistakes usually balance out over the course of a game or season. But the crew headed by Craig Wrolstad clearly missed a helmet-to-helmet or hitting a defenseless receiver penalty - take your pick - when Falcons safety Keanu Neal speared Jordan Matthews.

UP - He returned after a three-game absence and helped solidify a run defense that needed to force Matt Ryan and the explosive Falcons into third downs. Devonta Freeman rushed for only 49 yards and the Falcons were only 2 of 11 on third down.

UP - The Eagles are 4-0 at home and some credit has to go to the 69,596 who were in attendance.

SIDEWAYS - He missed field-goal tries from 44 and 55 yards, but the Eagles kicker nailed a 48-yard attempt with two minutes left to essentially put the game out of reach.

UP - The Eagles defensive coordinator had no solution for stopping receiver Julio Jones - few do - but he kept him out of the end zone and held Ryan to a 54.5 completion percentage.

UP - He didn't get a carry on offense, but Barner made his presence felt on special teams, returning three kicks for a total of 114 yards.

DOWN - Nolan Carroll suffered a second-quarter concussion and McKelvin was forced into action. The cornerback bit on a Taylor Gabriel double move and was toasted for a 76-yard touchdown.

SIDEWAYS - The rookie started ahead of the less-than-100-percent McKelvin and had a solid outing. Jones beat him a few times, but Mills made a few third-down tackles short of the sticks.

UP - He took a backseat role in carries, but he still led the Eagles with eight catches and had at least two big third-down conversions.