This was the early season game that everyone had highlighted on their calendar.

Michael Vick, coming home to the Georgia Dome, with his new mates.

Action and excitement were abundant in Sunday night’s 35-31 win by the Falcons over the Eagles.

How did Atlanta do it?

Stick with Michael Turner- The Falcons are at their best when they operate through Michael Turner. Early in the first quarter, it seemed as if it would be a long night for the Eagles’ defense as Turner gained major yardage on the ground. But Philly made the necessary adjustment, and for the next two quarters, Turner had no rushes for more than 2 yards. But Atlanta stuck with their game plan, and Turner hit a 61-yarder that set up the go-ahead touchdown.

Michael Turner ended the game with 114 yards on the ground.

Quieting Philly’s Playmakers- Aside from a long screen and run play for Jeremy Maclin, the home team was able to bottle up Michael Vick, DeSean Jackson and LeSean McCoy. Vick had a productive night, going 19-29 for 242 yards. Jackson only had 2 catches for 21 yards, and McCoy managed 116 yards rushing and receiving. But the Eagles were unable to hit the home run, and it was because of the discipline exhibited by the Atlanta defense.

Matt Ryan’s Toughness – It’s common knowledge that Ryan can be rattled with heavy pressure, but it has been a rare thing to see him get anxious in the pocket. But the Eagles got tremendous pressure with their front four, never allowing Ryan to comfortably get his feet set and survey the entire field before throwing.

Bye, Bye Vick – Perhaps the biggest play of the contest occurred late in the third quarter, when Michael Vick went down after completing a 9-yard pass. Vick was hit after releasing the ball, and was slung into his offensive lineman. The impact caused Vick to sustain a neck injury (later defined to be a concussion), which kept him out for the remainder of the game. Atlanta got after Vick all night, and knocking him from the game shrunk the Eagles’ playbook. Philly has encouraged Vick to stay in the pocket and make plays, and ironically, that was exactly what crippled the visiting team tonight.

Age Ain’t Nothing But a Number – With all of the offensive weaponry on the Falcons roster, it’s easy to overlook a player who may be regarded as the best offensive tight end to play the game. Tony Gonzalez posted seven receptions for 83 yards and two scores. Upon being asked how he felt about climbing to fifth on the all-time receptions list, Gonzalez answered, “It feels like I am getting old.” The Eagles certainly didn’t have his number, and that was key to the Falcons’ success.