Eagles looking for revenge in rematch against the Saints

In week 11, the Philadelphia Eagles had a brutal time at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in New Orleans. Carson Wentz only threw for 156 yards and was picked off three times. The Eagles ground game was able to cough up just 60 yards rushing. The Eagles defense was relatively non-existent that day, as Drew Brees and the Saints put up over 350 yards passing and four touchdowns, en route to a 48-7 beatdown.

What a difference seven weeks makes.

That embarrassing loss to the Saints was the turning point of the Eagles season as Philadelphia have gone 6-1 since the defeat. This includes a 16-15 victory over the Bears in the NFC Wild Card round, to setup this divisional round rematch in New Orleans.

What’s different for the rematch? Mainly health. The Eagles defense, especially their pass rush, has slowly got healthier over the past few weeks. The return of Fletcher Cox, Chris Long and Brandon Graham have got Philadelphia rolling into the postseason.  Jim Schwartz’s front seven has bullied opposing lines with 12 sacks in the past four weeks. The pass rush will be essential in holding Brees in check, as the Eagles own the third worst pass defense in the league.

While the Saints offensive line has been terrific this season, they have struggled in the past few weeks allowing seven sacks in the final three weeks of the season. New Orleans have sorely missed left tackle Terron Armstead, who has been injured with a torn pectoral muscle and is questionable for Sunday’s game.  If he is unable to go this week, the Eagles defensive line could pressure New Orleans and a passing game built on timing and accuracy. If Philadelphia is able to slow down the Saints powerful offense, they can make the game a lower scoring affair that is more in line with the Eagles capabilities.

The other big difference for the Eagles  is the man under center: Nick Foles.  Last year’s Super Bowl MVP took over for Carson Wentz in Week 15 and hasn’t looked back. In the past weeks, Foles has found great success. Getting the ball out of his hands quickly, Philly has a deep group of pass catchers to make plays once the ball is in their hands. Alshon Jeffery looks fully healthy from a shoulder injury that plagued him at the beginning of the season and Golden Tate is slowly starting to find his role within the team since being traded from the Detroit Lions during this season’s trade deadline.

The most important piece is the return of a healthy Darren Sproles. The speedy running back is able to take quick screen passes to the house and should help offset a terrific pass rush from the Saints. While he is 35 years old, Sproles still has the ability to make defenders miss in the open field. Wentz when fully healthy is the superior talent, but Foles’ style of play has proven very effective the past few weeks.

The Eagles will face a tough task on Sunday against one of the most complete teams in the NFL in the New Orleans Saints, who boast a top three offense and very aggressive defense.  However, the biggest obstacle Philadelphia must deal with on Sunday will be the crowd at the raucous Mercedes Benz Superdome. New Orleans boast the loudest fans in the NFL, with only Seattle as a rival and the Saints revel in it. In the past ten years, the Saints own the fifth best home winning percentage in the NFL at 70.3%. What is more daunting, during the Drew Brees era, the Saints are a perfect 5-0 in home playoff games. Every day is a party in New Orleans but Saints fans hope with the advantage they provide their team, they’ll have even more reason to celebrate Sunday night.