6 things we learned from the NFL's opening night

One game is in the books and the 2018 NFL season is underway.

There were plenty of takeaways from the Philadelphia Eagles' 18-12 victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday night. Here are the six things we learned from the first game of the regular season.

Foles far from MVP form

It was probably unreasonable to ask Nick Foles to replicate his MVP performance from Super Bowl LII. One trend that continued, however, was his poor play from the preseason.

After disappointing showings against New England and Cleveland in the warm-up games, Foles threw for just 117 yards and an interception in the season opener. The Eagles still hung on for the six-point win, but it came in spite of their quarterback's play.

The Eagles reportedly fielded multiple offers for Foles this offseason but instead decided to keep him in the event Carson Wentz wouldn't be ready to go early in the season.

With it becoming increasingly clear Wentz will be out for more than a week, the Eagles need Foles to regain his magic from last year's Super Bowl run.

Falcons' red-zone woes continue

The Falcons apparently spent all offseason working on their red-zone offense. It wasn't enough.

The most glaring hole in Atlanta's offense reared its ugly head again on Thursday night. The Falcons were 1-for-5 in red-zone efficiency, including trips that ended in a field goal, interception, and turnover on downs. Another drive stalled at the Eagles' 25-yard line.

Last year, Steve Sarkisian's first as the team's offensive coordinator, Atlanta dropped from eighth in red-zone scoring rate to 23rd. The Falcons made a concerted effort to involve Julio Jones early in Thursday's game, but when the team reached the red zone, it couldn't execute.

Matt Ryan is 1-for-20 when targeting Jones in the end zone during the last two seasons - including the playoffs - after going 0-for-3 with an interception on Thursday.

Much like in their divisional playoff matchup a year ago, the Falcons had the ball in their hands with the game on the line near the Eagles' end zone, but Jones was again unable to haul in a high throw from Ryan by the boundary.

Pederson still riskin' it all

Doug Pederson has more tricks up his sleeve ... or maybe they're just the same ones.

With the Eagles trailing in a dull 6-3 affair, the head coach went to his trusty "Philly Special" to ignite a stagnant offense.

A variation of the Super Bowl play had Foles on the receiving end of a 15-yard connection that led to the first touchdown of the game and the Eagles' first lead.

Pederson was celebrated for his propensity for taking risks all last season. He won't be backing down from the play-calling style that led him to a championship.

Flags keep flying

Penalty flags were the hot topic all preseason after an offseason in which the league significantly altered its rulebook. Though there were no flags thrown for the new illegal use of helmet or kickoff rules, a whopping 26 penalties for 236 yards were accepted.

Fifteen of those penalties were called against the Falcons, the most against the team in nearly two decades.

Four of the NFL's most senior officials hung up their whistles this offseason and the league brought in seven first-year referees in its 2018 class. If the first game of the season is any indication, there will be a distinct adjustment period.

And don't think we didn't notice the new catch rule is still confusing viewers.

Julio Jones bobbling catch pic.twitter.com/RRwUtcuHK9

- TheRenderNFL (@TheRenderNFL) September 7, 2018

Aaron Rodgers' injury has lasting effect

Speaking of flags, there were two penalty calls made in the first half that stem from the NFL's new point of emphasis on the protection of quarterbacks.

After Rodgers missed the majority of the 2017 season due to a broken collarbone suffered on a hit against the Minnesota Vikings, the league instructed that defenders will be responsible for avoiding landing on the quarterback when taking him to the ground.

In last night's game, the Eagles' Chris Long was called for a 15-yard roughing-the-passer penalty which put the Falcons at the Eagles' 27-yard line and would result in a field goal.

On the next drive, Grady Jarrett was flagged 15 yards for landing on Foles with his full body weight, extending an Eagles drive that started deep in their own territory with two minutes to go in the half.

Darby has Julio's number

It seems foolish to say after a game in which Jones caught 10 balls for a game-high 169 yards, but he's probably sick of being lined up against Ronald Darby.

The Eagles corner had six tackles on opening night and broke up three passes intended for Jones. He also was in coverage on the final play of the game, when Ryan lofted what would have been a game-tying pass to Jones with one second remaining in the contest.

This feels familiar. pic.twitter.com/GGpGF9gR5e

- The Checkdown (@thecheckdown) September 7, 2018

Darby is on the brink of becoming a star with performances such as the one he had Thursday night.

(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)

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