Where to Watch/Listen:
- TV: ESPN & PHL 17
- Radio: 94.1 WIP
- Sirius: 92
Injury Report (courtesy of NFL.com):
Preview:
When this year’s NFL schedule was written up, most people
probably had this Monday Night game marked as a clashing of two teams well on
their way to securing their own playoff appearance. Instead, we’ll see two
sub-par teams attempting to reestablish themselves in their respective
divisions. While a win does not guarantee anything for the victor, it will
certainly go a long way in boosting the energy in the locker room.
The Eagles (3-4) will head to New Orleans (2-5) in what is
sure to be a good ol’ slobber knocker. Coming of an excruciating loss to the
undefeated Falcons, a game that tarnished Andy Reid’s otherwise perfect 13-0
game-after-the-bye-week record, the Eagles will come out looking for a fight.
They know that a win not only knocks the Saints out of contention, but makes it
the perfect weekend following losses to each of the other three NFC East teams.
Perhaps the biggest news coming into the game is the player
that is under center to start the game. Mike Vick somehow performed well enough
to remain at the helm for another week. While Nick Foles waits in the wings,
Mike will have to step up against a struggling Saints defense in order to
continue his reign. There is no question this team has the potential to be a
high-powered offense, but it’s only been shown in flashes. A scoring play
followed by multiple flops and turnovers appears to be the norm for this crew.
The team struggles to put together multiple scoring drives, and many feel it
starts with Andy Reid’s lack of a running game. After a Pro Bowl worthy season,
LeSean McCoy has seen his carries drop. The pass game remains to be Reid’s
go-to plan, but hasn’t worked out too well. Will it regain traction tonight in
New Orleans?
Those that refuse to fault the play calling point the finger
at the offensive line. Vick is getting hit or being forced out of the pocked
every three plays. This can be attributed to the line’s lack of blocking, as
well as Vick’s lack of pocket presence. Whatever the case, the line will be
under the microscope in tonight’s contest. So, too, will be the lack of pass
rush. Trent Cole and Jason Babin have been abysmal this season, and will need
to step it up to disrupt Drew Brees’ always impressive play.
It comes down to a suspect Saints defense pitted against the
Eagles underachieving offense. One of the will have to give tonight.
Predictions by the
Eagledelphia Staff:
Shane Hussey
Eagles 42, Saints 38
Against a faulty New Orleans defense, I expect the offense
to find itself, especially in the running game. The Saints defensive unit is
the first defense in NFL history to give up 400+ yards in each of their first
seven games. This should be a game where the Eagles can bounce back and turn
the season around. DeSean Jackson, Jason Avant, and LeSean McCoy will all be
major factors.
Kevin Durso
Eagles 17, Saints 28
I'd like to think things will be different this week, but I
can't bring myself to believe that this team will suddenly be able to stop a
top NFC offense, score touchdowns in the redzone, and avoid turning the ball
over. Don't let this final score fool you. This will be another disaster of a
game that has Eagles fans up in arms.
Christine Schramm
Eagles 18, Saints 41
Our defense will look like Swiss cheese, and Vick will get
hurt in the second quarter.
Erik Seybold
Eagles 14, Saints 35
I second all of Kevin’s reasoning.
Andrew Gillen
Eagles 24, Saints 28
The offense will arrive tonight. There will be touchdowns
galore. McCoy has a half-decent game with a score. In the end, the Eagles lose
on a walkoff touchdown by Drew Brees and the Saints.
