It's foolish to think too far ahead in the ever-changing NFL, but it's not exactly a pipe dream to think that Week 2's New Orleans-Philadelphia game could be a very early preview of the NFC Championship Game.Both teams have what it takes -- especially on offense -- to make such a rematch happen way down the road. Unfortunately, a few of the weapons that could take the Saints and Eagles to the next level will probably miss Sunday's showdown. Philadelphia could be without injured starting quarterback Donovan McNabb, and will be without suspended backup QB Michael Vick, while New Orleans running back Pierre Thomas might be on the shelf for the second straight week.
There are still enough talented players to light some fireworks in this one, though.
More Coverage: Giants-Cowboys Preview | Complete Week 2 Schedule
Three Key Questions:
1. If McNabb's a no-go, can Kevin Kolb or Jeff Garcia make enough big plays to keep pace with New Orleans' offense?
2. Will Mike Bell repeat his Week 1 performance in the Saints' backfield?
3. Will there be any punts?
Player in the Spotlight: Kolb. Easy one here. It's hard to imagine any team slowing down the Saints offense too much -- a best-case scenario for Philly's defense might be to hold them in the low-20s with a turnover or two. So that means that the Eagles will need to counter with some offensive punch of their own. The jury's out on whether or not Kolb will be able to provide that, though if he proves overwhelmed early, Philly coach Andy Reid might turn to the recently-signed Garcia. The Eagles will need to have the pedal to the metal early, regardless of who's under center.
New Orleans' Path to Victory: Keep scoring points, to state the obvious. The Saints, even with a few defensive deficiencies, have the ability to outscore anyone on their schedule. With the aforementioned McNabb and Vick absences, if the Saints have another big offensive day, the Eagles will be hard-pressed to keep up. Bell showed the ability to do the job on the ground, too, rumbling for 143 yards in Week 1 against Detroit. Defensively, New Orleans should do what it can to get after the passer -- the Saints recorded just one sack of Matthew Stafford last week, but pressured him frequently, and held Detroit running back Kevin Smith to just 20 yards on the ground. If they can get to Kolb/Garcia or slow the Brian Westbrook-LeSean McCoy duo, Philadelphia will be in trouble.Philadelphia's Path to Victory: Minus McNabb, it's going to be all about ball control. Sure, the Eagles picked off five passes last week -- and might be able to, at least, limit New Orleans' big plays -- but if Philadelphia's going to hang around, it will need to pound out a lot of yards on the ground. Not only would that keep the Saints' offense on the sideline and eat the clock, but it would open things up a bit for Kolb. As it is, the Saints will probably sit several guys in the box and force Philly to win through the air.
Prediction: WIth McNabb, this would be a potential classic. If he can't go, then the mountain becomes a pretty tough one to climb for the Eagles. They're not going to get blown out at home -- there are way too many good players on Philadelphia to let that happen, and the venue is way too difficult a place to play for visiting teams. That said, if New Orleans doesn't turn the ball over and keeps Westbrook relatively in check, it's hard to envision Philly getting the job done.
New Orleans 34, Philadelphia 21
Comments (Page 1 of 1)
THE EAGLES HAVE BEAT THE SAINTS 6 OUT OF THE LAST 7 TIMES THAT THEY PLAYED WHY DO THEM SAINTS FANS THINK THEY ARE GOING TO BEAT THE EAGLES SURE DREW BREES THREW 6 TD PASSES AGAINST THE LIONS BUT
THE LIONS ARE THE WORST TEAM IN PRO FOOTBALL ANYBODY SHOULD BE ABLE TO SCORE THAT MANY POINTS AGAINST THE LIONS, THE EAGLES HAVE A GREAT DEFENSE THIS YEAR EVERYBODY SAW HOW MANY TIMES WE INTERCEPTED THE PANTHERS JAKE DELHOMME AND HOW MANY TIMES WE SACKED HIM FRANK, THE SAINTS HAVE A HORRIBLE ROAD RECORD. THE EAGLES ARE GOING TO WIN REGARDLESS IF WE HAVE KEVIN KOLB START OR JEFF GARCIA. THE EAGLES ARE A GOOD FOOTBALL TEAM WHERE WAS THE SAINTS AT WHEN WE WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE NFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME THEY WAS HOME WATCHING THE GAME ON TV, BRIAN WESTBOOK AND DESEAN JACKSON IS GOING TO SCORE ALL OVER THE SAINTS JUST WAIT AND SEE I PREDICT US WINNING OVER THE VISITING SAINTS 35 TO 24 LETS SEE HOW TUFF THOSE SAINTS ARE WHEN THEY PLAY A REAL TEAM LIKE THE EAGLES AND NOT THE WORST TEAM IN FOOTBALL LIKE THE LIONS.
Hi Carly! We'll see who wins. Saints have won past 2 of 3 games. Sorry we knocked you out of the playoffs. Hopefully Garcia can keep it close when Kolb gets pulled. Bye for now.
What is that you said about the Saints that beat the Eagles real bad Carl. looks like the Eagles played a real team. Also looks like I seen the Saints beat the eagles ----Saints 48 ----Eagles 22 WOW what a butt kickin
The Eagles lost to the saints twice in one season a couple years back, once int he reg season and then in the playoffs, both by a last minute field goal. It was the year the bears and colts went to the superbowl. Saints in the Brees era have given the Eagles fits. This was a throw away game for the Eagles, if they lose next week it's time to panic, but getting schooled is ok if you learn something from it.
philly is ok but NO WAY THEY CAN BE THE SAINTS....
That was the most awesome thing I've seen in a while! Well, I did not "see" it, because I refuse to watch the team with the animal beater play, but my husband told me they lost! :)
Thank goodness karma's in working order.
WooHoo! May they lose every game they play as long as the animal beater's on the team.
Wait..........is that..........yeah, I hear a baby crying. OOOOppppssss, my bad, it's just T.O. LMAO!
Wait.........is that..........yeah, a baby crying! OOOOppppssss, sorry, my mistake. It's just T.O.