New Orleans Saints @ Philadelphia Eagles: Game Preview
by Dave Cariello on Sep 16, 2009 6:00 AM CDT
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PrintThe season really starts for the Saints this Sunday when they face their first true test against the Eagles in Philadelphia. Don't underestimate the importance of this game, for I expect a lot of the questions we've had about the Saints, particularly the defense, to finally be answered.
Below are a few of my keys to the game or just random points worth mentioning. They are all meant to facilitate discussion so feel free to comment about anything. Following that is this weeks game capsule.
Garcia or Kolb?
Ahh, the million dollar question. Who will the Saints defense be facing on the other side of the ball when the game kicks off this Sunday? The Eagles have yet to decide. On one hand, Kolb is the heir to the thrown. He has been practicing with the team since the start of training camp this season and has been groomed to replace McNabb for thee years now. However, Jeff Garcia is the guy who led them through the playoffs in 2006 and should already be familiar with most of the playbook. It's been a while for Garcia though and it might be much to expect him to start immediately. Regardless, the Saints are better off with either two than starting quarterback Donovan McNabb.
Taking Advantage
To make the most of the Eagles' backup quarterback situation and banged up offensive line, Gregg Williams and the defense need to get in (insert quarterback name here)'s face. I'm still waiting for Will Smith, and more importantly Charles Grant, to show me why the possibility of not being suspended all year is a good thing for the Saints. I'll admit that after rewatching the Detroit game I wasn't giving the defensive line enough credit. but it still wasn't enough for my taste. Hurrying the quarterback is one thing; putting his face two feet into the ground is that much better. The Saints secondary has done a pretty solid job so far but more help from the front four could do wonders.
Keep Ringing, Mike Bell
We haven't heard anything about Pierre's knee yet this week and I personally believe no news is bad news. Even if he does return, Mike Bell is the hot back and it would probably be wise to ride this train as far as it will take the Saints. Hell, let's keep Pierre in our back pocket for a while and bust him out at the end of October as the wear and tear of the NFL season has weakened and tired opposing defenses.
The question is how long can Bell carry the load. Following Sunday's game against the Lions, Bell admitted it was the most touches he'd had since high school. But this is the NFL, kid. Will he be able to continue at the same pace we've become accustomed?
Shut Down Westbrook
Westbrook is one of the most talented, versatile running backs in the league. The Saints did a great job shutting down the run against Detroit and have been able to shut down the best of them (see: Adrian Peterson) in the past. Frustrating the Eagles ground attack and forcing them to go to the air with whoever they decide will be under center will help the Saints chances of coming home with a "W."
Cleanup on Aisle Special Teams
Definitely the area that needs most improvement from the Lions game. Sloppy tackling, muffed punts, blocked field goals; all of it needs to be cleaned up. I'm sure it will be emphasized this week during practice so I expect to see better.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (1-0) AT PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (1-0)
SERIES
|
|
SAINTS |
EAGLES |
|
SERIES LEADER |
15-9 |
|
|
STREAKS |
6 of past 7 |
|
|
COACHES VS. OPP. |
Payton: 2-1 |
Reid: 3-2 |
|
LAST WEEK |
W 45-27 vs. Lions |
W 38-10 at Panthers |
|
LAST GAME |
12/23/07: Eagles 38 at Saints 23. Five TDs are scored in 1st quarter & Philadelphia QB Donovan McNabb throws 3 TDs to all but eliminate New Orleans from playoff contention. |
|
|
LAST GAME AT SITE |
11/23/03: Eagles 33, Saints 20. McNabb throws for 259 yards & Eagles rush for 3 TDs to overcome Saints RB Deuce McAllister's 232 total yards & 2 TDs. |
|
|
BROADCAST |
FOX (1:00 PM ET): Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Pam Oliver (Field reporter). SIRIUS: 153 (NO), 125 (Phi.). XM: 102 (Phi.). |
|
STATS
|
PASSING |
Brees: 26-34-358 (1C)-6 (1L)-1-137.0 (2L) |
McNabb: 10-18-79-2-1-80.6 OR Kolb: 7-11-23-0-0-67.6 |
|
RUSHING |
Bell: 28-143 (2L)-5.1-0 |
Westbrook: 13-64-4.9-0 |
|
RECEIVING |
Henderson: 5-103-20.6-1 (T3C) |
Celek (TE): 6-37-6.2-1 (T3C) |
|
OFFENSE |
515.0 (1L) |
267.0 |
|
TAKE/GIVE |
0 |
+5 (1L) |
|
DEFENSE |
231.0 |
169.0 (1L) |
|
SACKS |
Vilma: 1 |
Howard: 2 (T1L) |
|
INTs |
Sharper: 2 (T1L) |
S. Brown: 2 (T1L) |
|
PUNTING |
Morstead (R): 48.0 |
Rocca: 42.8 |
|
KICKING |
Carney: 9 (6/6 PAT; 1/2 FG) |
Akers: 8 (5/5 PAT; 1/2 FG) |
NOTES
SAINTS: Defeated Phi. in 2006 Divisional Playoff 27-24...QB DREW BREES became 1st player in NFL history to throw 6 TDs on Kickoff Weekend. Set career high & tied franchise record. Since joining NO in 2006, has 14,268 passing yards & 94 TDs, most in NFL. In past 7 games, Brees has 22 TDs. Aims for 8th in row with 2+ TD passes. In past 21, Brees has 14 300-yard games. Averaging 317.8 yards per game over that span...RB-PR REGGIE BUSH has 24 career TDs (12 rush, 8 rec, 4 PR) & is only player in team history to score via rush, rec. & PR. In Div. Playoff, Bush had rush TD. RB PIERRE THOMAS aims for 7th game in row with TD...WR MARQUES COLSTON has 5 TDs in past 4. WR LANCE MOORE has 8 TDs in past 10. TE JEREMY SHOCKEY had 2 TDs last week. Has 425 receptions since 2002, 3rd most in NFL among TEs. WR DEVERY HENDERSON had 103 yards (20.6 avg.) & 58-yard TD last week...DT SEDRICK ELLIS aims for 3rd consecutive road game with sack...
EAGLES: QB DONOVAN MC NABB has 196 pass TDs & 27 rush TDs. Needs 4 pass TDs to become 8th player in NFL history with 200+ pass TDs & 25+ rush TDs. Is 3-1 (.750) in career vs. NO & has 8 TDs vs. 1 INT for 106.6 passer rating. In his starts (min. 10+ att.) with 100+ rating (incl. playoffs), team is 40-1 (.976)...RB BRIAN WESTBROOK is only player since 2004 with 4,000+ rush (4,979) & 3,000+ rec. (3,199) yards. Is only active player with 20+ rush (36) & rec. (29) TDs...WR-PR DE SEAN JACKSON had career-long 85-yard PR-TD last week...DE TRENT COLE had sack last week & has 24 sacks in past 37 games (incl. playoffs). Since 2005, CB ASANTE SAMUEL leads NFL with 24 INTs. When Samuel has INT, his teams are 21-1 (.955). CB SHELDON BROWN has 16 INTs & 13 have led to scoring drives (2 INT-TDs). Had 2 INTs last week as team had 5 INTs, most since 1996. DE VICTOR ABIAMIRI scored on FR-TD vs. Car. DE DARREN HOWARD recorded 2 sacks last week.
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Special teams
I finally watched the entire Lions game last night, and it’s an interesting experience reviewing a recent game from start to finish. Now I know what studying film is like (kinda). You know what happens, so you pay attention to how it unfolds.
I have to say, the special teams breakdowns were just that: individual breakdowns, not inherently poor team play. On the long punt return, for instance, there were two men in position to stuff the return immediately; that they didn’t deck the guy is due, I think, to a mistaken belief that surely he must have called for a fair catch? No, he didn’t; and the first two guys whiffing on tackles opened the whole field for him.
On the blocked field goal, it was Anthony Hargrove who collapsed and allowed the fatal penetration. Well, the solution is simple, and I think it has already been made: put someone else in.
As for Reggie’s fumbles…what can I say? We were lucky it was Detroit.
I don’t understand why they were so dissatisfied with Meachem’s returns. He averaged 24.7 yards a return. Courtney Roby last year averaged 24.8. That could be the biggest “meh” of all time. You gotta really feel for poor Buck Ortega…cut for an extra tenth of a yard.
At any rate, the rather long-winded point is that I don’t think there is any serious problem with special teams. They played sloppy. If they pay better attention to what they’re doing this time, we should be okay.
"Tell all the killjoys to pound sand." -- Ralph Malbrough
I think they wanted to sign Roby all along and keep in touch with him
but they cut him loose to give him a chance to see if someone else wanted him (maybe) because I think they are interested in bouncing Ortega back and forth on the roster especially if there are injuries (maybe Roby too). They did a lot of this last year, esentially having a 56 or so man roster with only 53 dressed each week. Also, the Grant/Smith thing made it all confusing re: roster switches etc. I also think they envision Meachem’s role to be pretty big in pass receiving and maybe just wanted him to be able to focus on that, it’s kind of like his rookie season in a way so they are just keeping it simple. Probably a good idea if that’s what they are doing in light of the reports I have heard about Meachem and the playbook struggles. Also, is it customary to put a defensive lineman in to block for field goals? I never looked that closely into it, but I would think there are OL personnel that would be better at that role or even special teams specialists such as Dunbar or Troy Evans better suited for that..
"Indecision may or may not be my biggest problem" - Jimmy Buffet
Yeah… there is no such thing as he “must have” called for fair catch. Oh and don’t call me Shirley. No, you have to watch… carefully… but if you don’t see it, flatten him at full speed. A 15 yard penalty is FAR better than a 50 yard return.
And Reggie spent Monday catching pseudo-punts from a machine. That should help… I hope.
Reggie
should reach out to Michael Lewis on the fumbling problem. Lewis went through a spell one season when he was dropping every other ball that came his way, then worked intently on it, until it was no longer a problem. Tiki Barber is another guy that might be able to help him in that department.
"It feels like a tiny prick " -Reggie Bush
Hey...
Beer man was at the game. Reggie could have asked.
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by Dave Cariello on Sep 16, 2009 9:00 AM CDT up reply actions
I think the Roby signing
was because they want to avoid exposing Meachem to unnecessary injury. His stock is rising fast…
Who IS the Stig?
Good Asessment
I would add that one more of the keys is to handle the Phila. pass rush. If that gets untracked, everything can flow from there. Most teams work that way, the whole team (and the home crowd) can feed off it. It’s funny, but I posted about how Payton should approach this game with establishing the run especially with Bell/PT, but that’s exactly the key for Andy Reid also. With Mc Nabb out, Reid probably will have to establish a ground game early, something he rarely does. I think he’s the one coach in the NFL that is even more likely to put the ball in the air than Payton, and he has gotten even more criticism for it than Payton.
I think there is virtually a zero chance of Garcia starting and Kolb will only be pulled if he has a performance such as Delhomme did or gets hurt. The Eagles made a big mistake letting AJ Feely go, and when they went to see if they could sign him after Mc Nabb’s injury he basically told them to go pound sand.
One more thought- if Grant can’t get a sack, couldn’t he at least milk a holding call from his opponent?
"Indecision may or may not be my biggest problem" - Jimmy Buffet
If he isn’t a threat to actually get to the QB, how is he supposed to tempt the OL to hold, Phil?
I too feel it’s unlikely that Garcia will start. He might be healthy now but not sure on that, and even if he still knew the playbook backwards and forwards he won’t have had time to get back in sync (on an ideal level, at least) with his receivers.
Then again, Garcia is a decent QB. Not great by any means, but he doesn’t suck either. If he does get on the field I will be nervous unless we have a 40 point lead. He has one area that he’s truly great at, and that’s extending the play beyond all reasonable limits and then finding the open guy once the coverage breaks down. In that he’s a lot like Rothlisberger. Neither of them are really “elite” QBs in any way, shape, or form, but if you don’t face plant them they will hurt you in the end.
agreed
that’s why i hope Kolb starts and plays. Garcia is the better QB but the playbook might not change drastically but it’s hard to get game ready in a weeks notice.
Superbowl bound!!!...I hope? Go Saints! :D
by skinnykinney on Sep 16, 2009 11:40 PM CDT up reply actions
I think there is virtually a zero chance of Garcia starting and Kolb will only be pulled if he has a performance such as Delhomme did or gets hurt.
I was going to post this exact statement, Delhomme comparisons and all, but you hit the nail right on the head. Kolb is the guy, unless he is terrible on Delhomme-like levels. Garcia was not signed to play this week – he was signed as insurance since we only had Kolb and an injured McNabb to use for the game, which is not enough depth.
"THIS IS NOT COLLEGE NO MORE. THIS IS THE BIG MAN SPORT." ~Crazy Lady on BGN forums
by southjersey89 on Sep 16, 2009 9:36 AM CDT up reply actions
"RB PIERRE THOMAS aims for 7th game in row with TD"
Wtfizzy? Is there some little-known NFL bylaw that allows consecutive streaks to remain intact, if a player is listed as inactive?
"It feels like a tiny prick " -Reggie Bush
nah..
Technically, if you don’t play in game, it doesn’t effect your streak. You should read it as, “Pierre has a TD in the last 7 games he played in.”
Looking back at the last game
in 2007. That was when McKenzie was hurt on that bizarre play that the Eagles scored on. It was that play and the goal line stand in the third (three downs to make a yard, sheesh…yet our short yardage problems surprised us in 2008? Weren’t we paying attention?) that really killed the Saints. The Eagles only got one sack on Brees the whole game, plus an interception (on a desperation throw late in the fourth)…but they also kept him from connecting for any TDs, and they forced us to kick field goals instead.
If they can do the same this time, and if you figure Kolb handicaps the Eagles’ offense by at least two touchdowns, that still leaves us on the short end of the stick: 24-23.
This is going to be a tough game, guys.
"Tell all the killjoys to pound sand." -- Ralph Malbrough
Yea,
I remember that game rather well. The first game i brought my wife and two daughters to. We still had a blast even though we lost. And when MM went down………i was pissed.
I totally agree with you Mt. This will not be a walk in the park. Especially if they don’t clean up all the sloppyness from Detroit.
no walk in the park
but completely in our grasp to win this game. They have lost a few key players on defense and they’ve lost mcnabb on offense. mcnabb, imo, is very underrated by most nfl fans.
Superbowl bound!!!...I hope? Go Saints! :D
by skinnykinney on Sep 16, 2009 11:43 PM CDT up reply actions
It may be tough
But their defense is not nearly as good as Carolina made it seem. Brees should destroy them, and as long as we contain the run, I’m confident we’ll be fine. Garcia makes me a little nervous, but I have faith our D will perform well. All I’m worried about is the turnover battle…especially re: special teams.
by jful on Sep 16, 2009 9:46 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
i agree
except for that destroy word. If we have the proper game plan, including establishing the run and going for it ala GW
style on defense, and of course as you said, cleaning up special teams, we should get a victory. But desroying the Eagles at home in this era would be a tough accomplishment. It could happen, I think we are that talented, but I wouldn’t bank on it.
"Indecision may or may not be my biggest problem" - Jimmy Buffet
Believe me...
you guys should be pulling for Kolb to play as long as possible. I’m an Eagles fan, but even I must admit that Kolb stinks. Kevin Kolb has one half of football to prove himself, if he pees his pants, you best believe Garcia will be in the second half.
thefantasyknowitall@gmail.com
http://thefantasyknowitall.blogspot.com/
by thefantasyknowitall on Sep 16, 2009 10:04 AM CDT reply actions
I voted for Kolb
Truth be told though I would rather see McNabb play. If we win and Kolb (or Garcia) struggles, our defense won’t get the credit it deserves. Maybe that’s a good thing, being able to sneak up on people but I would really like to see the team and especially the defense get some respect. No matter who plays at QB, it’s going to be a very tough game for the Saints and will hopefully be our only visit to Philly this year.
Nah
A win is a win is a win. Sure, it would be great to get a win against their team when it is intact, but I will take a win with McNabb hurt over a loss with him in any day. Not to say they wouldn’t win if McNabb played, but it sure doesn’t hurt that he’s not there.
The people who say, "Winning isn't everything," don't win very often.
well put
wins are always better than losses, no matter the circumstances :D
Superbowl bound!!!...I hope? Go Saints! :D
by skinnykinney on Sep 16, 2009 11:45 PM CDT up reply actions
HEY ISN'T IT IRONIC ??
The Eagles have 3 Pro-Bowl quarterbacks on their roster- actually 3 multiple Pro-Bowl selection QBs – they might have 12 or 13 Pro Bowls between them. But the QB that’s starting has never started 1 game in the NFL!!!!!
That’s pretty funny!!
"Indecision may or may not be my biggest problem" - Jimmy Buffet
i saw that on the eagles site
I also saw where they were doing a bit of trash talking, sorta just throwing us under the bus like we couldn’t beat them. I’m all for being confident but from what i saw, they don’t even think they should have to play the game.
Superbowl bound!!!...I hope? Go Saints! :D
by skinnykinney on Sep 16, 2009 11:47 PM CDT up reply actions
congrats!
I’m getting my directv installed on sunday morning and i’m hoping it’s done before the game starts.
Superbowl bound!!!...I hope? Go Saints! :D
by skinnykinney on Sep 17, 2009 2:06 PM CDT up reply actions
ha
You know cable guys. I wouldn’t count on it.
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by Dave Cariello on Sep 17, 2009 4:10 PM CDT up reply actions
No I wouldn’t count on it… but don’t guarantee against it either. I had a guy show up before his scheduled window when the DirectTV guy was out for my failed install (thanks to that stupid tree and my complexes other annoying rules).
So I wouldn’t hold my breath, but I wouldn’t bet against it either.
how much is directv exactly,
Not that I can get it. My apartment won’t allow us to get it unless we have a balcony, even though i live on third floor and it could easily go on roof…but just wanna know the price. Monthly? Initial…guess I could look it up…
Don't worry I got your back cuz...
my directv is this
About $100 per month (but we get the premium level – all the movie channels)
And then you have to pay $260 something for the Sunday Ticket, plus $100 for the SuperFan upgrade that gets you all the games in HD.
So, $1560 per year give or take a few bucks. When we got it, the installation was free.
That help, Tay?
Smell Greatness
Right now there is a special — get Sunday Ticket for ~ $60/mo for four (? or maybe five) months and get five months of that top package free. Then after that you can switch to a much cheaper package if you want (as I will if I can ever get the stupid tree that’s in the way removed so I can get set up in the first place).
You are stuck on a two-year contract once you sign up but you are allowed to turn the service off for like 3 months at a time so you can save a little bit of money that way… assuming you don’t care about TV the rest of the year (as I don’t).
wow most people didn't agree with the booing...
I actually put sometimes
Don't worry I got your back cuz...
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