Iggles Blitz

by Tommy Lawlor

Game Preview – PHI at NO

Posted September 22nd, 2024 | Comments Off on Game Preview – PHI at NO

A game on a Sunday at 1pm. Who knew such a thing was possible? I know I’m looking forward to this. Primetime games can be fun, but also be annoying. There is still something great about Sunday afternoon football.

The Saints looked like the very defnition of mediocrity just a few weeks back. Oops. They are 2-0 and have the #1 offense in the league. The Eagles have a very tough matchup in New Orleans.

The Saints ran the ball all over Dallas last week (190 yards). They will try to do the same to the Eagles. Vic Fangio must get his edge defenders to do a better job of setting the edge. This was especially problematic for Bryce Huff. The LBs have to flow to the ball and tackle well. Zack Baun has to be praying that he doesn’t face cut blocks this time out. They ate him alive last week.

Alvin Kamara looks re-born. He started to look old last year. This is the best I’ve seen him in a while. He averages 5.7 yards per carry. He’s also averaging 13 yards per catch and is dangerous out of the backfield.

Derek Carr is 30 for 39 for 5 TDs so far this year. The Saints love to use max protect and then to throw the ball downfield to their speedy receivers. Rahid Shaheed averages 24 yards per catch.

The Eagles must find a way to pressure Carr. If you let him sit in the pocket, he can pick you apart. The Eagles also have to cover well. Receivers have gotten behind the secondary a few times in the first couple of games. If that happens against the Saints, it could lead to big plays.

Fangio’s defense has done well on third downs and in the red zone. They tend to struggle between the 20’s. This would be a great week for the defense to figure some things out and to make some plays.

The offense will be missing AJ Brown again, but still has enough weapons to move the ball. Jalen Hurts ran well against the Saints in the past. I’m sure Dennis Allen has studied those games and will have some twists ready for Hurts.

Hurts will need another strong game for the Eagles to have a chance in this. The Saints defense has weapons at all three levels. They are vulnerable, but have talented guys who can make plays. DeVonta Smith will need to have another big game. It would help for another receiver to step up this week.

I’m going to be interested to see how the Eagles respond to the bad loss from Monday night. Will that fire them up and get them to play with a sense of urgency? Will it erode their confidence?

I don’t have a good feel for this team right now.

Sunday will tell us a lot.

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