It's a battle of the offensive juggernauts, as the Philadelphia Eagles welcome the New Orleans Saints to Lincoln Financial Field Saturday night. Veteran signal caller Drew Brees will lead the 11-5 Saints into a blustery and rowdy Linc, as he squares off with the Eagles' Nick Foles, who is in the midst of a breakout season in his second year in the league.
A revelation at the quarterback position since taking over as the starter, Foles will look to continue his historic pace. Since taking over in the second quarter of a Week 5 matchup with the Giants, Foles has been on a tear, finishing the regular season with 27 touchdown passes and just two interceptions for a QB rating of 119.2.
While Foles has been able to get the most out of targets DeSean Jackson and Riley Cooper, who each had fantastic seasons, it was running back LeSean McCoy who balanced the Eagles high-octane offense. McCoy had a breakout season, winning the rushing title as he finished the season with 1,607 yards, nearly 300 yards more than the next closest back, to go along with 539 receiving yards.
With first-year coach Chip Kelly at the helm, it was expected that the Philadelphia offense would be improved from a season ago. What has been the biggest surprise has been the Eagles defense, which under the tutelage of defensive coordinator Billy Davis have improved each week. With an efficient offense, the Philadelphia defense has been able to dominate the turnover battle in games, having a +12 turnover differential for the season, good for fourth best in the league.
The defense will have their hands full, as they face off against Drew Brees and a Saints offense that racks up the second most passing yards per game in the NFL. Brees, who went to the same high school as Foles, threw for 39 touchdowns and over 5,000 yards on the season, second to only Peyton Manning.
Brees will look for the mismatch against the Eagles defense in tight end Jimmy Graham, who racked up 16 touchdowns on the season and averages 14.1 yards per reception. Graham could prove to be the difference maker for New Orleans, as the Eagles defense will have to look for a way to stop the massive tight end.
The Saints bring a staunch defense of their own to town, but will be in for a test against a fast-paced Eagles offense that has the ability to break for a big play at any moment.
The Saints will have to prove they can play in harsh conditions, as Philadelphia is in for some frigid weather this weekend, while the Eagles will need to show just how far they have come since last season. With a spot in the divisional round of the playoffs on the line, it's anyone's game.
By: Kyle Babcock
Follow us on Twitter: @BroadStBeat
While Foles has been able to get the most out of targets DeSean Jackson and Riley Cooper, who each had fantastic seasons, it was running back LeSean McCoy who balanced the Eagles high-octane offense. McCoy had a breakout season, winning the rushing title as he finished the season with 1,607 yards, nearly 300 yards more than the next closest back, to go along with 539 receiving yards.
With first-year coach Chip Kelly at the helm, it was expected that the Philadelphia offense would be improved from a season ago. What has been the biggest surprise has been the Eagles defense, which under the tutelage of defensive coordinator Billy Davis have improved each week. With an efficient offense, the Philadelphia defense has been able to dominate the turnover battle in games, having a +12 turnover differential for the season, good for fourth best in the league.
The defense will have their hands full, as they face off against Drew Brees and a Saints offense that racks up the second most passing yards per game in the NFL. Brees, who went to the same high school as Foles, threw for 39 touchdowns and over 5,000 yards on the season, second to only Peyton Manning.
Brees will look for the mismatch against the Eagles defense in tight end Jimmy Graham, who racked up 16 touchdowns on the season and averages 14.1 yards per reception. Graham could prove to be the difference maker for New Orleans, as the Eagles defense will have to look for a way to stop the massive tight end.
The Saints bring a staunch defense of their own to town, but will be in for a test against a fast-paced Eagles offense that has the ability to break for a big play at any moment.
The Saints will have to prove they can play in harsh conditions, as Philadelphia is in for some frigid weather this weekend, while the Eagles will need to show just how far they have come since last season. With a spot in the divisional round of the playoffs on the line, it's anyone's game.
By: Kyle Babcock
Follow us on Twitter: @BroadStBeat
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