Eagles Set To Spoil The Party In The Big Easy

Game Time: Saturday, January 13th at 8pm

The Saints will have Hollis Thomas back after a 4 game suspension. WR Joe Horn is questionable for game day. Horn burnt the Eagles for 6 catches, 110yds, and 2 TDs (14,48yds) in their 27-24 Week 6 win. The groin injury that kept him out the last four games restricted his time on the practice field this past week. Even if he plays you can’t expect him to be 100%, which will be a big help to the Eagles diminished secondary. Without Lito Sheppard, the Eagles D is going to have to be near perfect (expect a HUGE game from Brian Dawkins, i.e. more flying through the air like Batman). The Saints have too many weapons and can easily move the ball with either the run or the passing game. Expect Jim Johnson to be at his creative best with play calling (he’ll have to be to keep this season alive) in order to get at Drew Brees. In October, Brees got rid of the ball in a hurry throughout the game, accumulating 275 yards and 3 touchdowns. He did, however, throw two picks, so the Saints ‘quick release’ plan for avoiding the Eagles relentless D isn’t exactly perfect. Let’s just hope that Sheppard’s replacement, Rod Hood, can step up and have a big game. Hood did not play against the Saints on October 15th, as he was out with an injury. While replacing Sheppard against the Giants, Hood was beaten by Plaxico Burress for the game-tying touchdown.

The Eagles' mode of play calling bodes well for a victory. Coach Reid turned over offensive play calling to coordinator Marty Mornhinweg after McNabb went down with an injury and the Eagles have been on a roll ever since. With more runs being called the offense is scoring on long sustained drives that eat up major minutes. Time management will be a big factor. Given the concerns at secondary, the Eagles best bet—and most obvious—will be to pound the ball with Westbrook and Buckhalter, doing their best to keep the Saints offense from the field as much as possible. The game is not going to be easy and should be back and forth to the very end like their previous match. I think the Eagles will pull through and raise the collective emotions of the city to euphoric levels. The team simply has too much momentum on their side, keyed up as they are, to overcome any adversity they face. Oh, and unlike the last game, Dante Stallworth will be healthy, so there's one more plus on our side. There's the obvious motivation to show up his old team, but certainly he wants to prove himself as his contract expires with the season.