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Saints vs. Eagles on ESPN MNF: Players to Watch

Keep your eye on these players when the Saints and Eagles face off in primetime on Monday Night Football.

Howard Smith-US PRESSWIRE

Michael Vick

I don't know about you, but Michael Vick scares the s*** out of me. This might not be the best time for the Saints to be facing him. In fact, it might be the worst. Vick is pissed and he's on a mission. One week after nearly getting benched, the Eagles quarterback has vowed to get his "swag back" and play like the old Mike Vick. At this point, he's got little to lose.

"I have to go play the game and leave it all on the field, and play aggressive, and shoot it and run the ball as I feel I need to. If I get a seam, get a crack [then] take it. Just do what I've been born [and] blessed to do and take advantage of my god-given abilities in conjunction with playing with everybody else."

This is the Saints defense we're talking about here, there are going to be lots of seams and cracks. Vick has even put his signature black shield back on his helmet after not wearing it all season. FML.

Pierre Thomas

I'm not just saying this because he's starting on my fantasy football team but I think PT Bruiser Cruiser is going to rip this Eagles defense a new one. Thomas has been quiet recently and now Darren Sproles is out of the equation; the planets are aligning and pointing toward lots of opportunities for my favorite player. You don't think the Saints actually going to play Chris Ivory or Travaris Cadet, do you? Pfft! Don't worry Mark Ingram fans, I'm sure he'll get his usual four or five first down carries.

Dennis Kelly and Dallas Reynolds

You've probably never even heard of these guys. That's because they're second string offensive linemen for the Eagles who were thrust into starting roles this season because of injuries in front of them. Kelly is a rookie starting only his second NFL game at right guard after playing tackle for four years at Purdue. Reynolds has been starting at center since September, when Jason Kelce injured his knee. The Saints need to exploit this interior inexperience and use this opportunity to shut down the run and get some pressure on Vick.