Saints and Eagles Preview: Interview With The Editors
This upcoming Sunday will have two of the league’s teams who have been lackluster in their on-field performances given the addition of recent “stars” to their respective rosters. While starting off 1-3 isn’t the plan for any team, it doesn’t mean the end of a season either.
With a win, the Saints would be one step closer to .500, and playing the Falcons this upcoming Thursday, they will have a chance to both even out their record as well as get two crucial wins against NFC opponents. With a loss, the season will be all but over with a little over 25% having been played.
I was able to talk to Anthony DiBona this week, the Editor for Inside The Iggles, and asked him how he saw this game swinging.
Anthony DiBona, Editor of Inside the Iggles
Sometimes you just need to know what someone thinks of their own team to really gauge your chances against an opponent.
Deuce: Do you think Malcolm Jenkins, a former Saint and teammate of Drew Brees, will be able to provide an “edge” to the Eagles based on his knowledge?
Anthony: No, I don’t think so. Maybe if this was last season and the Saints were still using the same personnel with Jimmy Graham, Pierre Thomas, etc, but now it seems like a majority of their starters have changed and the Eagles will likely be focused on mainly what the Saints have done this season on offense.
My Take: In recent years the Saints have certainly struggled when playing former teammates. Scott Fujita is someone who really seemed to have the Saints number when he came back to visit. Coach Payton recently stated that he puts little stock in such notions. I agree with Coach.
Deuce: What is it that scares you most about the Saints offense?
Anthony: This is easy, Drew Brees. Everyone is talking about how he’s on the decline and all of that nonsense but every team still fears him deep down inside. When you’re facing an elite quarterback, you can never get too comfortable. No matter who he is throwing to, Brees is always a dangerous player to try and defend. That’s why Brees is what personally scares me the most about the Saints offense.
My Take: I have to agree. While the players around Drew and where the team is strongest has changed (WR-TE-to now RBs) the ultimate player and leader is still Drew.
Jan 4, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) prepares to throw the ball as Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Fletcher Cox (91) chases in the first quarter during the 2013 NFC wild card playoff football game at Lincoln Financial Field. The Saints won 26-24. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Deuce: Mark Ingram has emerged as one of the premiere 3 down runningbacks in the NFL, how will the Eagles plan to stop him?
Anthony: There aren’t many positives this year for the Eagles but one of them is their run defense. Despite injuries, they still possess one of the most talented front sevens in the NFL. Fletcher Cox and Bennie Logan are emerging stars along the defensive line, as well as Connor Barwin and Brandon Graham at outside linebacker. Rookie inside linebacker Jordan Hicks has also excelled as a replacement for Mychal Kendricks, especially with his play against the run.
My Take: The key for New Orleans isn’t necessarily a high yards per carry average, but the balance of the offense they really need. If the Eagles fear the run, and respect it, it will open up the passing lanes for Drew and company.
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Deuce: The Eagles have done pretty well in coverage this year, but it’s not often you play a team with “X-Factors” like Spillers and Cooks being thrown to from a future 1st ballot HOFer. How do you take them out of the game?
Anthony: Shifty, speedy weapons such as Spiller and Cooks are exactly what scare me when the Eagles play any team. They tend to play single high safety a whole lot and they’ll likely make some changes this week against the Saints. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Eagles bracket Cooks in coverage and then put Hicks on Spiller since he’s more than held his own in coverage this season.
My Take: This might be the key to the game. Who team can stop the other’s “X-Factors”
Deuce: Saints fans have considered our special teams unit to be the worst part of our team for almost a decade. That’s compounded by the fact our Pro-Bowl punter was recently injured and will miss this Sunday’s game. How strong is the Eagles unit and can it be a difference in this game?
Anthony: The Eagles have one of the top special teams units in the NFL. Despite Caleb Sturgis struggling at kicker, they excel in the other three phases of special teams. Their coverage teams are phenomenal and as you likely know, Darren Sproles is an outstanding punt returner. Special teams could absolutely be a difference maker in this game. I fully expect the Eagles to take advantage of the Saints in that aspect of the game as well.
My Take: Can’t argue this point. The Eagles’ special teams unit is superior to ours in every area, but, that doesn’t mean we can’t have a better day. They definitely have a “leg up” on us though.
Nov 10, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Darren Sproles (43) scores on an 8-yard touchdown run against the Carolina Panthers during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Deuce: The Saints defense is very young, and currently has 4 rookies starting in key positions, and many other key players are young and not seasoned vets. How will the Eagles try to take advantage of this?
Anthony: It’s tough to say the Eagles will take advantage of any defense this season. Their offense has been downright embarrassing this season. That being said, it’d be nice to see Chip Kelly continue to let Sam Bradford throw the ball down the field. The offense seemed to click when that happened last week against the Redskins so hopefully they’ll go to that early and often against the Saints.
My Take: If there is one area the Saints could potential dominate in, it is defensively. While this is odd to hear considering how our team has done so far, the Eagles are currently in a slump. I think our youth and speed matches up with them well.
Deuce: Delvin Breaux is rated by PFF as one of the top coverage corners in the NFL. Have the Eagles taken notice of him? Are they planning against him?
Anthony: The Eagles have absolutely taken notice of Breaux. In fact, they were one of several teams that brought Breaux in for a visit when he was a free agent this past offseason. It’s great to see what Breaux has done after that heartbreaking injury he suffered in high school. I wish him nothing but the best…except for this week against the Eagles.
My Take: Breaux’s performance will be key this Sunday. With Lewis possibly still not 100%, we’ll be leaning on him quite a bit to lock down one side of the field.
Deuce: DeMarco Murray hasn’t produced to the level that many NFL fans expected considering what he did in Dallas (granted, that was behind arguably the best OL in the NFL). Do you think he gets more snaps? Will he be a big factor in this game?
Anthony: Murray was upset following last week’s game and I’m not sure he had the right to be. While he did only touch the ball ten times, he gained a total of 48 yards on those attempts. But that looks a whole lot less impressive when you factor in one of those touches went for 30 yards. Murray looks too hesitant at times, but as long as the offensive line is in shambles as it has been, any running back will struggle in Philadelphia’s offense.
My Take: I think Anthony is right. When you look at the film, this OL for the Eagles is simply shabby. It’s worse than the Saints, if that tells you anything.
Deuce: Bradford is still a big question mark. He’s always had talent, but injuries have sapped much of his career from him. What do you see from him this year, and can he lead the Eagles to the playoffs?
Anthony: There may not be anything more frustrating about this year’s team than the play of Bradford. At times, you can see glimpses of why Kelly traded for him. But then he throws an awful pass to a wide open receiver. It just doesn’t make sense honestly. The potential is there, the weapons are there, it’s just up to Bradford to get the job done.
My Take: We don’t wanna be the team Bradford finds his rhythm against. The front seven must find a way to pressure him, and the secondary must blanket his receivers. It sounds elementary, but against the Eagles all we need to do is our fundamentals and we should come out with a win.
Jan 4, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly (L) talks to New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton (R) before the 2013 NFC wild card playoff football game at Lincoln Financial Field. The Saints won 26-24. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Deuce: Chip Kelly. Is he overrated? Did everyone buy into the hype too much? What’s the deal?
Anthony: Everyone needs to take a note from Aaron Rodgers’ book and R-E-L-A-X. Has Kelly disappointed this year? Absolutely. But is it time for him to be fired? Definitely not. Kelly took some notable risks this offseason and some have paid off while others have not. Everyone needs to just let the season play itself out.
My Take: I feel that Kelly’s style of offense simply can’t last very long in the NFL. I feel his schemes have been figured out. Whether or not he can adapt, we’ll have to see. He still has the potential to call plays that can put a dagger in any team’s back, however.
Final Score Prediction:
Deuce: Saints 27-23
Anthony: Eagles 31-24
First off, a big thank you to Anthony for taking the time to talk with me about this Sunday’s game. He’s a smart guy and seems to have a good football mind. Thanks for reading everyone. As always, I welcome your comments, critiques and all around banter. God bless, and Who Dat!