New Orleans Saints at Philadelphia Eagles - Wild Card Game (1 Viewer)

[Insein]

This may not end up as the game thread but with the snow tonight into tomorrow, I wanted a place to get the discussion / trash talk started. So have at it.

#3 Philadelphia Eagles (10-6)

vs

#6 New Orleans Saints (11-5)

Offensive Rankings

Philadelphia - 2nd (9th Passing, 1st Rushing), 4th Points Per Game

New Orleans - 4th (2nd Passing, 25th Rushing), 10th Points Per game

Defensive Rankings

Philadelphia - 29th (32nd Passing, 10th Rushing), 17th Points Per Game

New Orleans - 4th (2nd Passing, 19th Rushing), 4th Points Per Game

Offensive Leaders

Philadelphia

Quarterback - Nick Foles - 119.2 Rating, 2891 yds, 27 tds, 2 ints, 64.0% Comp, 221 yds rushing, 3 tds

Running Back - LeSean McCoy - 1607 yds, 9 tds, 539 yds receiving, 2 tds

Wide Receiver - DeSean Jackson - 1332 yds, 9 tds

Wide Receiver - Riley Cooper - 835 yds, 8 tds

New Orleans

Quarterback - Drew Brees - 104.7 Rating, 5162 yds, 39 tds, 12 ints, 68.6% Comp, 52 yds rushing, 3 tds

Tight End - Jimmy Graham - 1215 yds, 16 tds

Running Back - Pierre Thomas - 549 yds, 2 tds, 513 yds receiving, 3 tds

Wide Receiver - Marques Colston - 943 yds, 5 tds

Running Back - Darren Sproles - 220 yds, 2 tds, 604 yds receiving, 2 tds

Defensive Leaders

Philadelphia

Inside Linebacker - DeMaco Ryans - 127 Tackles, 4 Sacks, 2 Ints, 7 Passes Defended

Inside Linebacker - Mychal Kendricks - 106 Tackles, 4 Sacks, 3 Ints, 2 FF, 5 Passes Defended

Cornerback - Brandon Boykin - 6 Ints, 1 DTD, 2 FF, 47 tackles, 17 Passes Defended

Outside Linebacker - Trent Cole - 8 sacks, 56 tackles, 3 FF, 4 Passes Defended

Outside Linebacker - Connor Barwin - 5 Sacks, 59 tackles, 1 FF, 1 Int, 11 Passes Defended

New Orleans

Linebacker - Curtis Lofton - 125 tackles, 2 Sacks, 1 FF, 5 Passes Defended

Defensive End - Cameron Jordan - 12.5 Sacks, 47 tackles, 2 FF

Linebacker - Junior Gallette - 12 Sacks, 40 tackles, 1 FF, 2 Passes Defended

Cornerback - Keenan Lewis - 4 Ints, 1 FF, 47 tackles, 11 Passes Defended

Safety - Malcom Jenkins - 2 Ints, 2 FF, 2.5 Sacks, 68 Tackles, 5 Passes Defended

Special Teams

Philadelphia

Kicker - Alex Henery - FG 23/28, PAT 45/45, Long FG 51 yds

Punter - Donnie Jones - 82 punts 3681 yds, Long 70 yds

Returner - Damaris Johnson - 17 KRs for 441 yds, 12 PRs for 100 yds

New Orleans

Kicker - Shayne Graham - FG 2/2, PAT 7/7, Career Long 53 yds

Punter - Thomas Morstead - 61 punts for 2859 yds, Long 61 yds

Returner - Darren Sproles - 12 KRs for 255 yds, 29 PRs for 194 yds

 

[Insein]

This has all the makings of a classic. HOF calibur coach and quarterback back in the playoffs for the first time since bounty gate up against the first year coach who's offense is ranked 2nd in the NFL with the best RB and highest rated quarterback. Should be a shootout.

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

Rooting for Philly to represent the East.

However, I expect NO to win this game. The East is the worst from top to bottom I have ever seen it. Philly needed every minute of the season to wrestle it away from a poor Cowboy team and I can't get away from that. Granted, Philly played better the 2nd half of the season, but if I had to pick the winner for a million bucks, it would be the Saints.

 

[ChrisCooleyFan]

Saints are 0-5 on the road in the playoffs all time. 0-6 after Saturday night. The will not be able to shut down the run

 

[Nucker101]

Pumped like this guy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMD1LTql6g#t=14

 

[Zigg]

Saints are 0-5 on the road in the playoffs all time. 0-6 after Saturday night. The will not be able to shut down the run

Man, you really hate the Saints. I assume you're a good guy because I remember you giving me some great advice when I went to New Orleans, but you pop up talking trash in every Saints thread.

The reason I have hope for the Saints is because every time they looked like crap on the road, it was against teams with great pass rushes. Four of the five losses were against teams in the top 10 in sacks, and the Jets aren't far off. Despite that, hopefully Payton is patient with the run, sets up some PA passes, and keep Foles off the field and out of synch. If Payton comes out chucking, I don't think the Saints can win.

 

[saintfool]

two very similar teams, i think. i like the saints chances in the game.

1) the eagles defense is aggressive and often in single coverage. NO always game plan is always hampered when they can't stretch the field. they *NEED* the deep throws to work so that they can open up the offense. if the eagles gamble on defense like they did in dallas then brees can make them pay.

2) the saints should be able to stay in the game like that but especially so with Kelly's lack of interest in ToP. if the saints defense can get stops every now and then they can stick around.

problems for the saints?

1) roman harper can't cover anyone. jenks is needs his best game to cover up for his shortcomings.

2) Jimmy Graham can't half ### another game.

 

[Insein]

Updated first post.

 

[ShaHBucks]

Pumped like this guy!

Omfg lmaoooo

 

[babydemon90]

Classic strength vs weakness here, Drew Brees vs the #32 pass defense? Love for the Eagles to win, but I don't see it.

 

[Insein]

Classic strength vs weakness here, Drew Brees vs the #32 pass defense? Love for the Eagles to win, but I don't see it.

Or #1 Rushing Offense and Reigning Rushing champ against the 19th Rushing Defense.

Add to that that a lot of the Eagles passing woes were compiled in the first 5 games. In the first 5, they let up an average of 326 yards per game. The remaining 11 games, they averaged 273 yds per game. A lot of that had to do with transitioning from a 4-3 to a 3-4 as they struggled early on. They also allowed 31.8 ppg in those first 5 games. The remaining 11, only 20.2 ppg. So it is a much improved defense over the course of the year even though the stats early on were horrid.

 

[babydemon90]

Classic strength vs weakness here, Drew Brees vs the #32 pass defense? Love for the Eagles to win, but I don't see it.

Or #1 Rushing Offense and Reigning Rushing champ against the 19th Rushing Defense.

Add to that that a lot of the Eagles passing woes were compiled in the first 5 games. In the first 5, they let up an average of 326 yards per game. The remaining 11 games, they averaged 273 yds per game. A lot of that had to do with transitioning from a 4-3 to a 3-4 as they struggled early on. They also allowed 31.8 ppg in those first 5 games. The remaining 11, only 20.2 ppg. So it is a much improved defense over the course of the year even though the stats early on were horrid.

The 358 yards to Kyle Orton scares me. But - they are ranked 19th in pass defense if you use YP/A, which might be more accurate gauge of pass effectiveness. New Orleans is 28th in YP/A against the rush. So we shall see

 

[babydemon90]

The old adage of "in the playoffs, you need to be able to stop the run, and run the ball" fits Philly to a T.

 

[ShaHBucks]

There is alot of discounting Drew Brees going on. I really don't understand why after watching the Eagles pass defense all season. Kendricks did a amazing job on Witten last week. He has all of the athleticism you'd hope for to cover Graham, but the hight disadvantage is a bit much to overcome. Lord help us if Graham is matched up with the Eagles safties.

I like the Birds straight up 23-24. I'll take Brees and the points.

 

[Insein]

There is alot of discounting Drew Brees going on. I really don't understand why after watching the Eagles pass defense all season. Kendricks did a amazing job on Witten last week. He has all of the athleticism you'd hope for to cover Graham, but the hight disadvantage is a bit much to overcome. Lord help us if Graham is matched up with the Eagles safties.

I like the Birds straight up 23-24. I'll take Brees and the points.

No discounting of Brees at all IMO. He's the reason I'm ignoring the cold weather mumbo jumbo. Tampa 03 should get that out of our heads real quick. I have to feel after Witten played pretty good last week, Graham is doubled on every play this week. I think the focus last week was take away Dez and we did that for the most part. This week, Graham is the biggest threat. They've been pretty good the 2nd half of the year minimizing the opponent's biggest play maker.

Should be fun to see what Billy Davis has in store.

 

[jon007]

Pumped like this guy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMD1LTql6g#t=14

Reminds me of...

http://youtu.be/SyklDsubPjw

 

[ShaHBucks]

There is alot of discounting Drew Brees going on. I really don't understand why after watching the Eagles pass defense all season. Kendricks did a amazing job on Witten last week. He has all of the athleticism you'd hope for to cover Graham, but the hight disadvantage is a bit much to overcome. Lord help us if Graham is matched up with the Eagles safties.

I like the Birds straight up 23-24. I'll take Brees and the points.

No discounting of Brees at all IMO. He's the reason I'm ignoring the cold weather mumbo jumbo. Tampa 03 should get that out of our heads real quick. I have to feel after Witten played pretty good last week, Graham is doubled on every play this week. I think the focus last week was take away Dez and we did that for the most part. This week, Graham is the biggest threat. They've been pretty good the 2nd half of the year minimizing the opponent's biggest play maker.

Should be fun to see what Billy Davis has in store.

Hopefully he takes a lot from the Stl, Sea and the last Car game to stop Brees. There is no blueprint to stop the Eagles offense right now. That's the only reason I'm still optimistic.

 

[Zigg]

There is alot of discounting Drew Brees going on. I really don't understand why after watching the Eagles pass defense all season. Kendricks did a amazing job on Witten last week. He has all of the athleticism you'd hope for to cover Graham, but the hight disadvantage is a bit much to overcome. Lord help us if Graham is matched up with the Eagles safties.

I like the Birds straight up 23-24. I'll take Brees and the points.

No discounting of Brees at all IMO. He's the reason I'm ignoring the cold weather mumbo jumbo. Tampa 03 should get that out of our heads real quick. I have to feel after Witten played pretty good last week, Graham is doubled on every play this week. I think the focus last week was take away Dez and we did that for the most part. This week, Graham is the biggest threat. They've been pretty good the 2nd half of the year minimizing the opponent's biggest play maker.

Should be fun to see what Billy Davis has in store.

Hopefully he takes a lot from the Stl, Sea and the last Car game to stop Brees.There is no blueprint to stop the Eagles offense right now. That's the only reason I'm still optimistic.

Those are 3 of the best pass rushing teams in the NFL(all in the top 4 in sacks, I think), that is the key to beating the Saints. If you can't get to Drew with 4, you're in trouble.

 

[Deamon]

Love the detailed analysis to start off the thread, thanks Insein!... (especially if you wrote/bolded/colour coded all that and didn't just copy paste haha)

I don't think any fan of either team can be totally confident in this game or say it will be an easy win. Not often you get a matchup like this in a while where one teams strength happens to be the other team's defensive weakness... AND vice versa. Brees should have success vs our pass d even though it is much improved. And our top Rushing O vs that Rush d is gonna be tough for them. Given the fact that it will be cold, I'm hoping this favours the team that can rush the best.

We might finally have a game where we win the ToP as we will need to keep Brees off the field and will be running the ball a ton. Kelly doesn't try to outsmart himself, you better believe he's gonna run the damn ball a lot vs that rush D of the Saints.

With Thomas banged up, hoping we can give them the run a bit more and focus on stopping the pass... but our DB's are gonna have to have their best game of the season. If they do, Philly should win. If not, we're in trouble. Shady and Nick will do their thing, but our DB's are going to win or lose us the game.

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

Classic strength vs weakness here, Drew Brees vs the #32 pass defense? Love for the Eagles to win, but I don't see it.

Yes, this would seem to be a problem.

 

[Insein]

Love the detailed analysis to start off the thread, thanks Insein!... (especially if you wrote/bolded/colour coded all that and didn't just copy paste haha)

I don't think any fan of either team can be totally confident in this game or say it will be an easy win. Not often you get a matchup like this in a while where one teams strength happens to be the other team's defensive weakness... AND vice versa. Brees should have success vs our pass d even though it is much improved. And our top Rushing O vs that Rush d is gonna be tough for them. Given the fact that it will be cold, I'm hoping this favours the team that can rush the best.

We might finally have a game where we win the ToP as we will need to keep Brees off the field and will be running the ball a ton. Kelly doesn't try to outsmart himself, you better believe he's gonna run the damn ball a lot vs that rush D of the Saints.

With Thomas banged up, hoping we can give them the run a bit more and focus on stopping the pass... but our DB's are gonna have to have their best game of the season. If they do, Philly should win. If not, we're in trouble. Shady and Nick will do their thing, but our DB's are going to win or lose us the game.

All color coded man. Not as hard as the old days of backslashes and hex code though. The boards make it a lot less painful now.

 

[Nagle2998]

The Eagles pass defense is better then the stats suggest because they got a lot of big leads on teams which made the opponents throw a lot more then they would in a normal game. Now I'm not saying its a top 7 pass defense but its not one of the bottom ones either and they are very good against the run. I think they are going to have a problem with Graham which most teams do and I don't think they will knock Brees down enough to bother him. Now my biggest worry is how many times Chung is stuck in one on one coverage with Graham or Colston.

I think the Eagles offense will be able to run on the Saints but I worry that the Saints will be able to get to Foles and as good as Foles has played he is much better when he isn't pressured. I expect a pretty high scoring but because of the weather I'm thinking 30-27 Eagles but wouldn't at all be surprised if the Saints won the only thing that would surprise me is if the neither team scored over 21

 

[Snotbubbles]

Classic strength vs weakness here, Drew Brees vs the #32 pass defense? Love for the Eagles to win, but I don't see it.

The Eagles pass defense isn't great by any means, but they aren't worst in the league horrible either. The Eagles offense goes fast, and is very efficient so the defense is out there for a lot of the game. The TOP is never in the Eagles favor. Also, the Eagles have been ahead so much that other teams have to pass to keep up. When you combine those two, they give up a lot of yardage, but not a lot of points.

 

[unckeyherb]

Combination of being able to run the ball on offense plus stop the run on defense equals playoff success. Kelly's offense can certainly keep up with Brees. I expect philly to run the ball close to 50 times tomorrow night. Have had success containing teams' WR1, expect graham to have a similar stat line to written last week- 10/125/0. Hope so anyways, as the important part of that puzzle was written not scoring a TD. Gonna be a monster game regardless.

 

[Bigboy10182000]

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees celebrates a touchdown with tight end Jimmy Graham. (David Grunfeld, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune)

By Larry Holder, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune

Email the author | Follow on Twitter

on January 02, 2014 at 7:12 PM

Here's a position breakdown as the New Orleans Saints get set to take on the Philadelphia Eagles in their NFC wild-card playoff game Saturday night.

Quarterback: Drew Brees is a proven winner and a future Hall of Famer in his prime. Nick Foles has been potent in the back half of this season for the Eagles, but this is his first playoff start against a Saints team that thrives against the pass.

Edge: Saints

Running back: It's LeSean McCoy, and everybody else. A 100 percent healthy Pierre Thomas wouldn't budge this debate. The fact that Thomas may miss Saturday's game with a chest injury would be a major hit for the Saints.

Edge: Eagles

Wide receiver/tight end: DeSean Jackson has come back to life with an explosive season -- 1,332 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. Riley Cooper, Jason Avant, Brent Celek and Zach Ertz are solid pieces.

But Jimmy Graham is the biggest mismatch nightmare of all, while Marques Colston is the third best among both teams. Throw in Lance Moore, Kenny Stills, Robert Meachem and Benjamin Watson, and the Saints are more potent.

Edge: Saints

Offensive line: The Saints possess two multiple Pro Bowlers at guard with Jahri Evans and Ben Grubbs. Tackle Zach Strief is also having probably his best season, while center Brian de la Puente has improved of late. Left tackle is the major question even though Terron Armstead bounced back against Tampa Bay.

Individually, the Eagles possess a Pro Bowl left tackle with Jason Peters and a 2013 first-rounder with Lane Johnson at right tackle. Some pundits also dubbed center Jason Kelce and guard Evan Mathis as possible Pro Bowl snubs. It's obvious the Eagles can run block, but pass protection can be sketchy.

Edge: Push

Defensive line/pass rushers: I'm including Junior Galette and Trent Cole is this mix even thought both are listed as linebackers.

Galette and Cam Jordan have become one of the more dangerous pass rushing duos the NFL is just starting to learn about as they've combined for 24½ sacks this season. Something tells me they will knock around Foles once or twice Saturday.

Cole leads the Eagles with eight sacks, but there hasn't been much help along the front line creating a pass rush. Philly has been solid against the run, ranking ninth, but the Saints only allow seven more yards per game so the difference isn't all too dramatic.

Edge: Saints

Linebacker: Curtis Lofton and David Hawthorne have been the tackling machines the Saints missed last year to help solidify the Saints defense. Parys Haralson has been more of a role player as the Saints typically play with two linebackers, but he's been a necessary piece to the puzzle.

I've always liked the Eagles' DeMeco Ryans and he's essentially Philly's version of Lofton. And what Ryans doesn't bring down, Mychal Kendricks does as he gives the Eagles a second 100-plus tackle defender. Throw in Connor Barwin as well as he's second on the team with five sacks.

Edge: Eagles, barely

Secondary: New Orleans ranks second in pass defense. Philadelphia ranks last in pass defense. It's not all on the secondaries as the Saints have better pass rushers than the Eagles. But a lot of it is on the secondaries.

Edge: Saints

Special teams: Jackson hasn't been all too lethal in returning punts and neither has Damaris Johnson, a Destrehan native. No one for the Saints has wowed many people in the return game this year, either. Thomas Morstead continues to be a weapon for the Saints on punts and kickoffs, while former LSU punter Donnie Jones has been solid for the Eagles. Alex Henrey has only missed one kick in the past seven games for Philadelphia. Shayne Graham only has attempted two kicks in a Saints uniform.

Edge: Eagles

 

[JaxBill]

The Eagles pass defense is better then the stats suggest because they got a lot of big leads on teams which made the opponents throw a lot more then they would in a normal game. Now I'm not saying its a top 7 pass defense but its not one of the bottom ones either and they are very good against the run. I think they are going to have a problem with Graham which most teams do and I don't think they will knock Brees down enough to bother him. Now my biggest worry is how many times Chung is stuck in one on one coverage with Graham or Colston.

There's a lot to this. If you look at YPA that the defenses have allowed, the Eagles would rank 21st at 7.3 and teh saints tied for 9th at 6.8.

Defensively, the Eagles have give up 25 pass TD and creating 19 INT so it's not like the secondary isn't doing its job.

Getting Earl Wolff back should be huge help.

 

[JaxBill]

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees celebrates a touchdown with tight end Jimmy Graham. (David Grunfeld, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune)

By Larry Holder, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune

Email the author | Follow on Twitter

on January 02, 2014 at 7:12 PM

Here's a position breakdown as the New Orleans Saints get set to take on the Philadelphia Eagles in their NFC wild-card playoff game Saturday night.

Defensive line/pass rushers: I'm including Junior Galette and Trent Cole is this mix even thought both are listed as linebackers.

Galette and Cam Jordan have become one of the more dangerous pass rushing duos the NFL is just starting to learn about as they've combined for 24½ sacks this season. Something tells me they will knock around Foles once or twice Saturday.

Cole leads the Eagles with eight sacks, but there hasn't been much help along the front line creating a pass rush. Philly has been solid against the run, ranking ninth, but the Saints only allow seven more yards per game so the difference isn't all too dramatic.

Edge: Saints

Secondary: New Orleans ranks second in pass defense. Philadelphia ranks last in pass defense. It's not all on the secondaries as the Saints have better pass rushers than the Eagles. But a lot of it is on the secondaries.

Edge: Saints

That's some lazy ### analysis right there.

 

[Bigboy10182000]

I actually thought that Vaccaro (sp?) kid was really good from what I heard too.

 

[JaxBill]

I actually thought that Vaccaro (sp?) kid was really good from what I heard too.

Broken ankle, out for year

 

[Bigboy10182000]

I actually thought that Vaccaro (sp?) kid was really good from what I heard too.

Broken ankle, out for year

Yeah I know. I thought that was a pretty big hit but the writer makes it seem like it's not that big of a deal.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

Saints are 0-5 on the road in the playoffs all time. 0-6 after Saturday night. The will not be able to shut down the run

Man, you really hate the Saints. I assume you're a good guy because I remember you giving me some great advice when I went to New Orleans, but you pop up talking trash in every Saints thread.

The reason I have hope for the Saints is because every time they looked like crap on the road, it was against teams with great pass rushes. Four of the five losses were against teams in the top 10 in sacks, and the Jets aren't far off. Despite that, hopefully Payton is patient with the run, sets up some PA passes, and keep Foles off the field and out of synch. If Payton comes out chucking, I don't think the Saints can win.

I agree with this, NO has been through a murder's row on the road, and they've been in every game, except for Seattle, no shame there.

Also during the year if we found out Drew Brees was going on the road to face the team giving up the most yards per game in the air, what would we say? Ideal matchup.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

I actually thought that Vaccaro (sp?) kid was really good from what I heard too.

Broken ankle, out for year

Yeah I know. I thought that was a pretty big hit but the writer makes it seem like it's not that big of a deal.

It's a big enough of a deal, he was a factor in every phase. Personally I think his going out was a major reason the Saints lost the CAR game.

The Saints have had a ridiculous number of injuries on defense. Linemen, LBs, DBs, have all been hit.

One guy who could be exposed is no. 24 Corey White; he can be a ballhawk but he can also be toasted.

The Saints safeties - Jenkins is not much of a tackler, and Harper can't cover anyone who runs upfield. However as a unit they have been terrific this year, Ryan has really mixed up the coverages, they very much mirror on defense what the offense has been doing for years, using less than prime talent to maximum effect.

 

[babydemon90]

Pretty cool rebounding from two team that both missed the playoffs last year though!

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

This has all the makings of a classic. HOF calibur coach and quarterback back in the playoffs for the first time since bounty gate up against the first year coach who's offense is ranked 2nd in the NFL with the best RB and highest rated quarterback. Should be a shootout.

Thanks for teeing this up. I've watched nearly every Eagles game that I could this year, owned Foles every where and nearly every other Phi FF player here and there, loved the team, the coach, the formations, they've been fun.

First thing I'd like to know is who is going to cover Jimmy Graham? Not a taunt, just wondering from a football perspective.

Also, how's the line and LBs from a fan's perspective?

Personally I like the Saints' chances here, but there is no question this will be a great game and there is absolutely no way to overestimate the Saints on the road. I'm thinking something like 38-34, which would be a lot of points for NO to give up considering how well the defense has played this year, but I just think this game will be an air display. Yeah, I know McCoy could run all over the Saints, but if the scoring starts we all know Foles can be great.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

Pretty cool rebounding from two team that both missed the playoffs last year though!

I think this is the best playoff game this weekend.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees celebrates a touchdown with tight end Jimmy Graham. (David Grunfeld, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune)

By Larry Holder, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune

Email the author | Follow on Twitter

on January 02, 2014 at 7:12 PM

Here's a position breakdown as the New Orleans Saints get set to take on the Philadelphia Eagles in their NFC wild-card playoff game Saturday night.

Defensive line/pass rushers: I'm including Junior Galette and Trent Cole is this mix even thought both are listed as linebackers.

Galette and Cam Jordan have become one of the more dangerous pass rushing duos the NFL is just starting to learn about as they've combined for 24½ sacks this season. Something tells me they will knock around Foles once or twice Saturday.

Cole leads the Eagles with eight sacks, but there hasn't been much help along the front line creating a pass rush. Philly has been solid against the run, ranking ninth, but the Saints only allow seven more yards per game so the difference isn't all too dramatic.

Edge: Saints

Secondary: New Orleans ranks second in pass defense. Philadelphia ranks last in pass defense. It's not all on the secondaries as the Saints have better pass rushers than the Eagles. But a lot of it is on the secondaries.

Edge: Saints

That's some lazy ### analysis right there.

The local sports press stinks.

 

[Snotbubbles]

This has all the makings of a classic. HOF calibur coach and quarterback back in the playoffs for the first time since bounty gate up against the first year coach who's offense is ranked 2nd in the NFL with the best RB and highest rated quarterback. Should be a shootout.

Thanks for teeing this up. I've watched nearly every Eagles game that I could this year, owned Foles every where and nearly every other Phi FF player here and there, loved the team, the coach, the formations, they've been fun.

First thing I'd like to know is who is going to cover Jimmy Graham? Not a taunt, just wondering from a football perspective.

Also, how's the line and LBs from a fan's perspective?

Personally I like the Saints' chances here, but there is no question this will be a great game and there is absolutely no way to overestimate the Saints on the road. I'm thinking something like 38-34, which would be a lot of points for NO to give up considering how well the defense has played this year, but I just think this game will be an air display. Yeah, I know McCoy could run all over the Saints, but if the scoring starts we all know Foles can be great.

Kendricks will probably cover Graham the most.

 

[Bigboy10182000]

Saints are 0-5 on the road in the playoffs all time. 0-6 after Saturday night. The will not be able to shut down the run

Man, you really hate the Saints. I assume you're a good guy because I remember you giving me some great advice when I went to New Orleans, but you pop up talking trash in every Saints thread.

The reason I have hope for the Saints is because every time they looked like crap on the road, it was against teams with great pass rushes. Four of the five losses were against teams in the top 10 in sacks, and the Jets aren't far off. Despite that, hopefully Payton is patient with the run, sets up some PA passes, and keep Foles off the field and out of synch. If Payton comes out chucking, I don't think the Saints can win.

I agree with this, NO has been through a murder's row on the road, and they've been in every game, except for Seattle, no shame there.

Also during the year if we found out Drew Brees was going on the road to face the team giving up the most yards per game in the air, what would we say? Ideal matchup.

I agree. It's Drew Brees and the potential is there for a sick game no matter what the weather is. It's playoff time and he's elite.

 

[babydemon90]

This has all the makings of a classic. HOF calibur coach and quarterback back in the playoffs for the first time since bounty gate up against the first year coach who's offense is ranked 2nd in the NFL with the best RB and highest rated quarterback. Should be a shootout.

Thanks for teeing this up. I've watched nearly every Eagles game that I could this year, owned Foles every where and nearly every other Phi FF player here and there, loved the team, the coach, the formations, they've been fun.

First thing I'd like to know is who is going to cover Jimmy Graham? Not a taunt, just wondering from a football perspective.

Also, how's the line and LBs from a fan's perspective?

Personally I like the Saints' chances here, but there is no question this will be a great game and there is absolutely no way to overestimate the Saints on the road. I'm thinking something like 38-34, which would be a lot of points for NO to give up considering how well the defense has played this year, but I just think this game will be an air display. Yeah, I know McCoy could run all over the Saints, but if the scoring starts we all know Foles can be great.

Kendricks will probably cover Graham the most.

I'd guess they use a similar routine that they used against Fitzgerald, CJ (although maybe the snow changed their coverage plan?), Dez, etc. Press with Barwin at the line, then release him to Williams.

 

[babydemon90]

I would think Kendricks would be more used on Sproles duty, but who knows, I am no DC!

 

[Gadabout]

I'm trying hard to be optimistic. The road game woes this season and previous history is hard to fight through.

 

[Long Ball Larry]

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees celebrates a touchdown with tight end Jimmy Graham. (David Grunfeld, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune)

By Larry Holder, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune

Email the author | Follow on Twitter

on January 02, 2014 at 7:12 PM

Here's a position breakdown as the New Orleans Saints get set to take on the Philadelphia Eagles in their NFC wild-card playoff game Saturday night.

Defensive line/pass rushers: I'm including Junior Galette and Trent Cole is this mix even thought both are listed as linebackers.

Galette and Cam Jordan have become one of the more dangerous pass rushing duos the NFL is just starting to learn about as they've combined for 24½ sacks this season. Something tells me they will knock around Foles once or twice Saturday.

Cole leads the Eagles with eight sacks, but there hasn't been much help along the front line creating a pass rush. Philly has been solid against the run, ranking ninth, but the Saints only allow seven more yards per game so the difference isn't all too dramatic.

Edge: Saints

Secondary: New Orleans ranks second in pass defense. Philadelphia ranks last in pass defense. It's not all on the secondaries as the Saints have better pass rushers than the Eagles. But a lot of it is on the secondaries.

Edge: Saints

That's some lazy ### analysis right there.

Oversimplification, sure. But overall, what do you disagree with? We get a good push from the inside, but not so much on the outside. Of course, we are also trying to do a lot of things to help mask the problems in the secondary.

Overall the defense is doing a nice job, but I would say that it is primarily thanks to inside push, the linebackers, and Cox fully understanding his role and what to do. I wouldn't blink if we got rid of everyone in the secondary aside from Wolff and Boykin.

And I will also say that I will not be confident in our winning this game until after it is over, due to the scar of the last playoff game, where the Saints held the ball for almost the entire final 11 minutes.

 

[CentralPA]

This has all the makings of a classic. HOF calibur coach and quarterback back in the playoffs for the first time since bounty gate up against the first year coach who's offense is ranked 2nd in the NFL with the best RB and highest rated quarterback. Should be a shootout.

Thanks for teeing this up. I've watched nearly every Eagles game that I could this year, owned Foles every where and nearly every other Phi FF player here and there, loved the team, the coach, the formations, they've been fun.

First thing I'd like to know is who is going to cover Jimmy Graham? Not a taunt, just wondering from a football perspective.

Also, how's the line and LBs from a fan's perspective?

Personally I like the Saints' chances here, but there is no question this will be a great game and there is absolutely no way to overestimate the Saints on the road. I'm thinking something like 38-34, which would be a lot of points for NO to give up considering how well the defense has played this year, but I just think this game will be an air display. Yeah, I know McCoy could run all over the Saints, but if the scoring starts we all know Foles can be great.

Kendricks will probably cover Graham the most.

I'd almost try putting Fletcher or Williams on Graham, not that will make any difference but they're comparable height wise to Graham. Then have Boykin on Colston or Stills and pray.

 

[jurb26]

Pumped like this guy!

 

[jurb26]

Philly wins this game for 2 reasons.

1. NO won't be able to stop their run. Philly has the NFL best rush offense and NO has shown they can't stop the run this year. That won't change in Philly.

2. Turn overs. People like to point out that Brees should carve up an average to below average Philly D and that might be true. I fully expect him to post yards and score. What nobody is talking about however is that Philly creates turnovers with their aggressive style of D. They are 3rd in the NFL in that regard, behind only Sea and KC. 9 of Brees 12 Ints this year have occurred on the road. Philly has a takeaway/giveaway ratio of +12 on the year. NO is 0.

NO is also 0-3 with Brees on the road in the playoffs historically, 0-3 vs. playoff teams this year on the road as well.

 

[CentralPA]

Philly wins this game for 2 reasons.

1. NO won't be able to stop their run. Philly has the NFL best rush offense and NO has shown they can't stop the run this year. That won't change in Philly.

2. Turn overs. People like to point out that Brees should carve up an average to below average Philly D and that might be true. I fully expect him to post yards and score. What nobody is talking about however is that Philly creates turnovers with their aggressive style of D. They are 3rd in the NFL in that regard, behind only Sea and KC. 9 of Brees 12 Ints this year have occurred on the road. Philly has a takeaway/giveaway ratio of +12 on the year. NO is 0.

NO is also 0-3 with Brees on the road in the playoffs historically, 0-3 vs. playoff teams this year on the road as well.

With most games, this is always a factor but it'll be crucial for the Birds to try and intercept Brees. He'll rack up the passing yards but if he throws two picks and the Eagles can snatch a fumble then I think they win the game.

 

[Billy Bats]

Getting Earl Wolff back should be huge help.

That right there is a critical key to the game for the Eagles D. I hope he plays, for Patrick Chung's sake. (and ours)

 

[JaxBill]

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees celebrates a touchdown with tight end Jimmy Graham. (David Grunfeld, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune)

By Larry Holder, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune

Email the author | Follow on Twitter

on January 02, 2014 at 7:12 PM

Here's a position breakdown as the New Orleans Saints get set to take on the Philadelphia Eagles in their NFC wild-card playoff game Saturday night.

Defensive line/pass rushers: I'm including Junior Galette and Trent Cole is this mix even thought both are listed as linebackers.

Galette and Cam Jordan have become one of the more dangerous pass rushing duos the NFL is just starting to learn about as they've combined for 24½ sacks this season. Something tells me they will knock around Foles once or twice Saturday.

Cole leads the Eagles with eight sacks, but there hasn't been much help along the front line creating a pass rush. Philly has been solid against the run, ranking ninth, but the Saints only allow seven more yards per game so the difference isn't all too dramatic.

Edge: Saints

Secondary: New Orleans ranks second in pass defense. Philadelphia ranks last in pass defense. It's not all on the secondaries as the Saints have better pass rushers than the Eagles. But a lot of it is on the secondaries.

Edge: Saints

That's some lazy ### analysis right there.

Oversimplification, sure. But overall, what do you disagree with? We get a good push from the inside, but not so much on the outside. Of course, we are also trying to do a lot of things to help mask the problems in the secondary.

Overall the defense is doing a nice job, but I would say that it is primarily thanks to inside push, the linebackers, and Cox fully understanding his role and what to do. I wouldn't blink if we got rid of everyone in the secondary aside from Wolff and Boykin.

And I will also say that I will not be confident in our winning this game until after it is over, due to the scar of the last playoff game, where the Saints held the ball for almost the entire final 11 minutes.

Your response was much more thoughtful than his analysis. Yeah, Cole is the guy with most sacks but they get a push in the middle and they rely on the LBs to make plays and bring pressure. Oh, and Vinny Curry has been a pleasant surprise down the stretch.

As far as teh secondary, looking at the passing yards and labeling the secondary is just plain lazy. The corners have been generally competent and generated turnovers. The glaring problem is at safety especially when Wolff is out.

And I agree about the confidence part.

 

[babydemon90]

I wouldn't blink if we got rid of everyone in the secondary aside from Wolff and Boykin.

I don't think the CB's are THAT bad... Safeties suck, and we need more pass rush. If a rookie highly rated CB is there, sure, but an impact safety is a bigger need imo. Chung is not the answer, obviously. Wolff maybe, need to see alot more, he's been hurt so much.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

For what it's worth or as an fyi, in FF terms, the Saints actually stack up very well as a tough RB matchup, according to FFToday they give up just the 25th most FFP allowed per game to opposing RBs.

Martin, Stacy, Ivory, Ridley, all had very good games. DeAngelo Williams had a very big game changing breakaway run. On the flip side they held Forte to what had to be one of his worst games of the year, 12/55/0 & 4/40/0 rec. Murray did ok, SF and SEA (surprisingly) were held in check. They haven't been pushovers all year, that's all.

Needless to say McCoy is fantastic and he can destroy anybody.