tell us what happens tomorrow nite and why....
IGY
the whole key to this game is not get blown out the buidling from the get...i dont think the saints are necessarily that much better of a team...dont get it twisted tho they are better and that combined with the crowd could have the eagle done with the quickness...
it goes without saying that a first drive eagles score would be monstrous...if the game goes to halftime with the spread seven or less then the birds win...but ive seen to many eagle games where the offense is in a supercharged hostile enviroment against a very good or great team the offense just get overwhelmed (ny 01 - pittsburgh 04 - falcons 05 - colts 06)...the x factor here tho is not having mcnabb who usually first panics and then gives up in those situations...perhaps garcia can steady the ship a little better...i just think in the end the dome is going to sink them...if tho the eagles win this game i see them winning the superbowl
34-20 saints in a game that might not be that close
LES BOWEN:
If the Eagles win this game, anything is possible. Which is probably why, in true Philadelphia fashion, I am pulling back from the brink. Give the Birds Lito Sheppard and Jevon Kearse, maybe I'd feel differently, but I've really been impressed by Drew Brees and especially by Sean Payton.
Even though the Eagles had a chance to win, I thought the Saints were the better team back in October. I haven't seen New Orleans much lately, and some of the late-season losses are puzzling. Maybe I'm all wrong about this. Maybe by Sunday we will be getting ready for another NFC title game and wondering who will play Jeff Garcia in the movie (a younger Scott Glenn? Vin Diesel, perhaps?) But I'll be a little surprised if that's the case. SAINTS 31, EAGLES 24.
BILL CONLIN:
When picking stocks or NFL football games, the trend is normally your friend.
This is where history, conventional wisdom and reality normally sweep through the playoff pretenders like a scythe through a field of ripe wheat. The trends are stacked up against the Eagles like a set of tsunamis lined up to wash over a sand spit.
But... Put down the straight razor. Close the window. Drive past the bridge railing. Here are some trend busters: Five of the Saints' six losses were to teams that did not make the playoffs. They were 4-4 in their noisy home. They lost to the taterskins at home. The Eagles are the only NFC team astride a six-game winning streak, so they do have some mojo working.
This is one of those games where you have to trust your Jedi Master. Close your eyes, invoke The Force, then take a big hack with your light saber.
When you open your eyes again, the Eagles will be on their way to the NFC title game with an improbable, messy, exhilarating victory. EAGLES 33, SAINTS 31.
PAUL DOMOWITCH:
The Saints clearly aren't unbeatable, and it doesn't take a juggernaut to slay them. Five of their six losses were to teams that didn't make the playoffs. They lost at home twice in the second half of the season, to the Bengals and the taterskins. The taterskins!
They can't stop the run, which the Eagles have gotten pretty good at, and their very ordinary secondary hardly puts the fear of God into offensive coordinators.
But I just don't see the Eagles' defense slowing down Drew Brees and the Saints' powerful offense. Too many bad matchups. I think the Saints are going to put up at least 27 points and probably more, and I'm not sure the Eagles will be able to keep pace with that.
The resurrection was fun while it lasted, but... SAINTS 30, EAGLES 20.
SAM DONNELLON:
Remember when your team was like the Saints, sitting at home that first week while all those wild-card pretenders banged it out? Remember what you thought about facing Tampa Bay at home for the chance to get to the Super Bowl? Remember how easy you thought Carolina was going to be?
Remember how you expected it to be easy, how you placed your faith in destiny, karma and the most fickle fate of all, homefield?
Well, now yours is the team given little chance. Yours is the team with the umimpressive pedigree, with the underdog mentality, with something to prove. Yours is the team that made its run in hostile environments.
The Saints? They're playing at home, but they're playing under the burden of expectations. They are supposed to win. You remember that feeling. EAGLES 28, SAINTS 10.
MARCUS HAYES:
Drew Brees is no Eli Manning, and that will make all the difference.
Brees led the best passing attack in the NFC. Yes, he will either be without Joe Horn or with a hindered Horn, who torched the Birds for 110 yards and two touchdowns Oct. 15, but Brees will still operate behind an offensive line that allowed only 23 sacks, the fewest of any NFC playoff team, thanks, in part, to going unsacked against the Eagles on Oct. 15. He threw only 11 interceptions, fewest of any NFC playoff starter. And Lito Sheppard is hurt.
The Deuce McAllister/Reggie Bush combination is a potent rushing attack. This will test the Eagles' defense more than the Giants ever could. SAINTS 28, EAGLES 20.
RICH HOFMANN:
The Saints' offense has been held under 23 points six times this season. In those games, the team's rushing totals were 156, 63, 35, 91, 71 and 61 yards. The trend and the imperative for the Eagles, while imperfect, seems clear enough: stop the run, put Saints quarterback Drew Brees in more "known" passing situations, and give yourself a chance.
But how? Run defense has been an issue for the Eagles all season. Better lately, it is still an issue. And now that All-Pro cornerback Lito Sheppard is out for the game with a dislocated elbow, it is hard to see the Eagles cheating on coverage to bolster the run.
It seems obvious that the Eagles' one chance here is to win a shootout. But trying to do that against the NFL's No. 1 offense, with short rest, on the road, in the din of a dome, is way difficult - and that is even acknowledging how good and how balanced the Eagles' offense is right now. SAINTS 30, EAGLES 27.
DANA PENNETT O'NEIL:
The backdrop for this divisional playoff game will be how the feel-good Saints, a team that could have abandoned New Orleans, instead has galvanized a city in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
No doubt it's a great story, but it overshadows a rather important subplot - the Saints are a very good football team.
They have not ridden civic pride to a 10-6 record. They've ridden the arm of Drew Brees. Underappreciated since his college days - despite gigantic numbers, Chris Weinke and Josh Heupel received more Heisman votes in 2000, and what are they doing now? - Brees is finally getting his due. More than 4,000 yards in the air will do that for a guy.
Brees will be everything Eli Manning was not last weekend - poised, confident and smart with the football - and will present too much of a tall order for this Eagles' defense even in its rejuvenated state. SAINTS 28, EAGLES 24.
JOHN SMALLWOOD:
Considering the Saints beat the Eagles during the regular season when the Birds were flying high and still had quarterback Donovan McNabb, the odds favor a repeat performance. In fact, the win over the Eagles might have been the crossroads moment of the Saints' rebirth.
The issues are the same. The Eagles' defense has to figure out how to contain coach Sean Payton's dynamic offense, led by quarterback Drew Brees and accented by veterans Joe Horn and Deuce McAllister and electricfying rookie Reggie Bush.
Not having Pro Bowl cornerback Lito Sheppard will hurt. Going on the road in a short work week won't help, either. The Birds will score, just not enough. SAINTS 27, EAGLES 24.
VEGAS VIC:
Same teams, same dome, different quarterback. In the first meeting, New Orleans beat the Eagles with Donovan McNabb under center, 27-24. McNabb was 19-for-32 for 247 yards, with two TDs and one interception. Now the Saints will have to face a rejuvenated Jeff Garcia, and Marty Mornhinweg, who has taken over playcalling from Andy Reid. What does it mean? In that first matchup, Brian Westbrook carried only 16 times for 72 yards. Double M will certainly call Westbrook's number more often, and if the last six games are any indication (6-0), it will be another W. Philly was a three-point favorite at New Orleans in October, and is now a 5-point underdog. That's an 8-point swing, and it just doesn't make sense. What does make sense is an Eagle victory, because if they win here, Double V is steppin' out on a limb and sayin' it's on... to the Super Bowl. EAGLES 24, SAINTS 21.
Bob Brookover
Eagles 31, Saints 28
Brian Westbrook has recovered from his stomach virus. Now, he's likely to make the Saints and their fans sick.
Ashley Fox
Eagles 24, Saints 21
The Dome's emotional atmosphere will be staggering. Survive the onslaught and the Saints offense, and move on.
Bob Ford
Saints 27, Eagles 16
They go marching in a few too many times for the Eagles to keep up.
Marc Narducci
Eagles 21, Saints 20
Any team that can lose to the taterskins isn't unbeatable.
Phil Sheridan
Saints 27, Eagles 23
The Eagles could overcome the short week, playing on the road, or losing their best corner. But not all three. Or could they?
Stephen A. Smith
Saints 31, Eagles 27
Drew Brees is flowing, and so are the Saints. Maybe Donovan McNabb could halt this feel-good story, but not Jeff Garcia.
Saints 34
Eagles 17
I just don't see a way that the Eagles win this game without something completely unexpected happening. Like lots of turnovers that result in touchdowns. Or a serious injury to Brees. Or the Saints' team bus crashing into a gasoline truck.
27-17 Saints.
PS. If the eagles DO somehow win this game, I don't see them winning the superbowl at all. They have always been awful against AFC teams, and that didn't change this year, let alone the cream of the crop like the Ravens or Chargers.
I don't see why the Eagles shouldn't put up at least 22-23 points, the way they've been running the ball...
I also don't see how the Eagles can hold the Saints to less than 27-28.
28-22 Saints.
Eagles 27
Saints 20
Eagles 23
Saints 21
Eagles defense barely contains Bush & McCallister but Brees has a big day throwing the ball. Probably close to 300 yards and a couple of touchdowns but also throws a couple of picks to boot.
Eagles offense runs the ball a lot and controls the clock. Westbrook, Westbrook and more Westbrook. L.J. finally emerges from his cocoon and has a 75+ yard receiving day. Garcia has a modest day. . . around 225 passing and a touchdown.
Three field goals again from Akers including the game winner.
On the broadcast front, we'll see nearly three full hours of sob stories concerning New Orleans including eponymous shots of the ninth ward, flood waters overflowing levees, and people stranded on highways. We'll also see heart-wrenching stories of the good people of New Orleans struggling to overcome tremendous adversity to be able to watch a football game. We'll also see shots of revellers on Bourbon Street watching the game and tears streaming down the faces of Saints fans as the Eagles walk off the field towards their fifth NFCCG in six years.
The end.
Eagles 23
Saints 21
:o
does spads know you only have the birds winning by 2!!
if they aren't down by 17 at the end of the first quarter, then I think they'll win. they've got players who have been in these situations before, so hopefully that will help them late in a close game.
they really need to treat their first drive like it's the last drive of the game, take as long as possible, take the fans out of the game, let the Saints offense sit and watch. one of the really nice things about the balanced offense since Garcia took over was that they are making a lot of 1st downs, it's not 4 three and outs and a big play touchdown. for the most part, they are putting together consistent drives and frustrating defenses by keeping them on the field.
basically, you can't count on the defense to win you the game, you have to limit their possessions, get touchdowns whenever you get close, and hang on for dear life with the defense.
i'm probably picking with my heart when i say:
Eagles - 27
Saints - 24
Quote from: ice grillin you on January 12, 2007, 09:13:33 AM
Eagles 23
Saints 21
:o
does spads know you only have the birds winning by 2!!
That was the exact same score I picked in the NFC Playoff prediction thread, dude.
BTW: Much like your faux-ghetto speak, the Spadaro thing is worn out. Time for some new material, bro.
Eagles close this out with a field goal in the last 3 mins of the game, and the D stops Brees on a last second drive.
Akers kicks 4, 2 Passing TDs for Garcia
Eagles 26
Saints 24
don't believe all the saints hype...they barely won the last time & the eagles played like crap in that game.
eagles- 27
aints- 20
and it might not even be that close.
I hope to see the Eagles win the toss and take the ball first. The main thing is to operate a ball control offense and control that crowd noise. Garcia has to get himself under control early and not come out like a crackhead guzzling RedBull like last week. Be emotional and pumped but slow the roll a bit, Jeff.
They will probably not have more than 1 sack on defense. If they do I will be shocked. Payton will have Brees 3-step dropping all day and that OL has been pretty good. Their best bet to get heat is to control the A gaps and go after Jeff Faine and Jamar Nesbit. Having Trotter slamming into Faine all night long might help disrupt McAllister too. Faine is a small guy and might not be able to hold up to that.
The DL has to mush-rush on the short drops and get their hands up. Since they likely won't get sacks the next best thing is to shut off Brees' passing lanes. He's only 6'0 so he sometime has trouble seeing his receivers.
Do NOT punt the ball to Bush. Kick it OOB or into the endzone.
If the Eagles play ball control on offense, I like their chances.
Eagles - 24
Saints - 17
Quote from: PhillyPhreak54 on January 12, 2007, 09:34:12 AM
I hope to see the Eagles win the toss and take the ball first. The main thing is to operate a ball control offense and control that crowd noise. Garcia has to get himself under control early and not come out like a crackhead guzzling RedBull like last week. Be emotional and pumped but slow the roll a bit, Jeff.
They will probably not have more than 1 sack on defense. If they do I will be shocked. Payton will have Brees 3-step dropping all day and that OL has been pretty good. Their best bet to get heat is to control the A gaps and go after Jeff Faine and Jamar Nesbit. Having Trotter slamming into Faine all night long might help disrupt McAllister too. Faine is a small guy and might not be able to hold up to that.
The DL has to mush-rush on the short drops and get their hands up. Since they likely won't get sacks the next best thing is to shut off Brees' passing lanes. He's only 6'0 so he sometime has trouble seeing his receivers.
Do NOT punt the ball to Bush. Kick it OOB or into the endzone.
If the Eagles play ball control on offense, I like their chances.
Eagles - 24
Saints - 17
Exactly what i was telling my buddy instead of trying to sack him get the hands up often and mush rush. And please tell Considine to sit on McAllister and Bush during possible screen plays. Dont go for the tackle. I think the Eagles DBs will have a good day, Brown has looked better in the recent weeks , Hood, Hanson, and James should be able to contain the WRs enough, and as long as M.Lewis isnt covering anyone in the middle of the field we should be ok.
I think the Saints will choke on the massive expectations that the national media and their fans have placed on them. This is what I said on another board--they're expected to win. One of the writers this morning compared this game to the Eagles vs. Bucs and Eagles vs. Panthers games--both games the Eagles were expected to win and we all know how those games turned out. Pressure? The Eagles have none on them. After all, they got into the playoffs without McNabb, with a somewhat underachieving defense, now without Sheppard--no, all the pressure is on the great Drew Brees, Reggie Bush and Sean Payton. And all of the media has highlighted this week that it's "win one for New Orleans" hype. Meanwhile, the Eagles have kept their head down and prepared for this game--notice how the story this week hasn't been about Garcia, or how the Eagles have made it after being 5-6? I think that will be the difference.
Eagles 27
Saints 17
Eagles- 42
Saints- 13
put down the coke MURP
14 eagles
13 saints
looks like a toss up dunnies
the real play tho seems to be eagles with the points
i took saints money line...but thats another thread
I agree almost completely with Danellon - probably a bad sign. Eagles will control the clock with Westbrook and keep Brees & Bush off the field. Look for Westbrook to return a put for a TD in the 2nd half to seal the deal.
Eagles 24
Saints 20
My head says: Saints 31; Eagles 24
My heart says: Eagles 27; Saints 17
But that's why I don't bet.
Well, my heart says, Eagles 28 - Saints 24.
My head says, Saints 24 - Eagles 17
who you got tomorrow
Man, that sounds like you should be from my side of the ditch.
Sure, steal my waffling gimmick.
regardless of who you think is gonna win anyone who thinks the saints score less than three touchdowns aka 21 pts is nuts
again thier over under for pts in the first quarter should be about 17
great offense vs mediocre defense without their best corner + dome atmosphere = lots of saint points
and lol @ the eagles all of a sudden being some three yards and a cloud of dust team...yes they have done much better in the running game and andrews is a man god but andy reid is still the coach and at the end middle and beginning of the day this team is still a passing team with a back up qb in whats gonna be the loudest stadium maybe ever
the eagles are not going to run the ball 45 times thats not them....the only way they win is to score early and then score often along with the saints then pull it out at the end of the game
Quote from: ice grillin you on January 12, 2007, 10:01:08 AM
regardless of who you think is gonna win anyone who thinks the saints score less than three touchdowns aka 21 pts is nuts
If they Saints win, it'll be because they score a bunch of points. If the Eagles win, it'll be because they stopped the Saints from scoring a bunch of points. The Eagles aren't going to win a shootout-- the only way to win is if they can hold that O in check and force a turnover or two.
Quote from: Zanshin on January 12, 2007, 10:00:52 AM
Sure, steal my waffling gimmick.
Thats how I get over half my material.
That's why I liked the 20 point score for the Saints...the Eagles defense is playing more like it did 3-4 years ago, giving up yards but stingy inside the twenty. Figure the Saints get into the red zone five times, come away with 2 TDs and 2-3 FGs.
But, I do believe the Eagles will put up at least 27 on that defense, mostly through the use of Westbrook. Am hoping Tapeh can play and Horn can't (or, that Horn is playing at no more than 50%...he tore them up in the first game). The reappearance of LJ Smith would also help, as well as Stallworth playing in New Orleans this time around.
Quote from: SunMo on January 12, 2007, 09:47:33 AM
put down the coke MURP
Or pass that shtein down. . .
If they Saints win, it'll be because they score a bunch of points. If the Eagles win, it'll be because they stopped the Saints from scoring a bunch of points. The Eagles aren't going to win a shootout-- the only way to win is if they can hold that O in check and force a turnover or two.
you need to lose that hope...the eagles arent stopping the saints...period...their defense is average at best...eli put up three touchdowns at the linc for god sakes....whats brees and co gonna do at the dome?
people are hoping on things that just arent going to happen imo...the eagles arent gonna run the ball 40 times and the defense isnt going to stop the saints
the eagles can win only if they score with the saints
Well, let's pretend for a second that you're not as omnipresent as you think you are. I have more faith that the Eagles can slow down the Saints than I do that the Eagles will suddenly become an high-scoring offensive force to be reconed with. The only way the Eagles score a ton of points is if the Defense scores...and if the Defense scores, then it means that the Saints inherently score less.
Like I said, the rational money is on the Saints winning. But if the Eagles win (which is not out of the realm of possibility), it'll be because they slowed the Saints O, NOT because the Eagles O becomes a madden-like scoring machine.
why cant the eagles offense score on the saints defense?
the saints weakness is defense....thats what you have to exploit and put lots of points on the board to win
i have much more confidence in the eagles O vs the saints D than i do eagles d vs saints O
The Saints and Eagles are #'s 1 & 2 in total offense in the NFL & #'s 5 & 6 in scoring.
We might just see one of those 38-35 barn-burners. I doubt it but we might.
Just a thought.
I guess that's why they make chocolate and vanilla.
The Eagles are efficient with Garcia at QB. And they don't live and die by the big play nearly as much. More than that, they're much more balanced on Offense. None of those things point to putting up a ton of points against any defense.
I'm focused on the Eagles D, because the only way the Eagles win this game is if the D steps up in a big way. And I think they have the ability to do that. You don't.
Somehow, I can live with that.
Eagles - 31
Saints - 27
The Eagles two offensive touchdowns last week came on big plays (Westbrook's unbelievable gallop & a zinger from Garcia down the middle to Stallworth).
What I want to see from the Eagles is a mistake-free game on offense. No idiotic penalties, no interceptions, no farging fumbles at the goal-line, and no heavy reliance on the passing game. Stick with Westbrook. Run him 20-25 times, give Buck a few pops, use the short to intermediate passing game and take the occasional shot down the field.
That's a recipe for winning against the Saints.
Quote from: ice grillin you on January 12, 2007, 10:11:57 AM
If they Saints win, it'll be because they score a bunch of points. If the Eagles win, it'll be because they stopped the Saints from scoring a bunch of points. The Eagles aren't going to win a shootout-- the only way to win is if they can hold that O in check and force a turnover or two.
you need to lose that hope...the eagles arent stopping the saints...period...their defense is average at best...eli put up three touchdowns at the linc for god sakes....whats brees and co gonna do at the dome?
people are hoping on things that just arent going to happen imo...the eagles arent gonna run the ball 40 times and the defense isnt going to stop the saints
the eagles can win only if they score with the saints
Washington. taterskins.
While everything you said about the Saints offense may be true.... Washington. taterskins.
In addition to that... the Saints offense has been stopeed and/or slowed by other defensive juggernauts like the Bengals (16pts), Browns (19), Panthers (18) and Bucs (24). It's not impossible for the Eagles to follow suit... considering that they're just as talented, if not more than any of these other defenses... as shaky as they've been at times.
Offensively... running the ball 40 times
has been the Eagles MO lately, as long as they've run enough plays to do so. They rant the ball 27 times against the Giants last week, 42 against Dallas, 30 against the Giants before that, 22 against the Skins (versus 23 passes)... and we can all agree that they've run it with success. The Saints D can be run on... and I expect the Eagles to do so. Like you said... I'm not especially worried about the Eagles scoring on the Saints, I think we'll be good there.
Also... while I wouldn't count on it... I also wouldn't
discount the possiblility of a
disadvantage for the Saints of playing at home in the playoffs. The Saints are only 4-4 at home to begin with... and I can damn near count on one hand the amount of players on this team that have even sniffed the playoffs and the Eagles gave them 2 of them. I think that as much as they can come out fired up and smoking to start out... they can also come out tight and freeze when the lights and the expectations are on. Can't forget about the playoff experience factor.
As for my pick... I said after they beat the Cowboys that anything is possible in this year's NFC and after beating the Giants last week, I said that it's house money from here on out and we'll see where this thing ends up. Once again, I'm saying that if the Eagles beat the Saints... I'll meet you fargers in Miami.
farg it.
Eagles - 27
Saints - 23
Saints 34
Eagles 27
Although I do believe you guys could win this game (any given Sunday and all that crap) if you keep your shtein together, I don't think you will.
i hope you all are right because they win this game and the superbowl is theres
they will have a nice long week to get rested up and get lito right
they easily beat chi or seattle
and i dont give a crap how good the afc is
because the last time i checked
only one team from each conference makes the superbowl
the eagles will beat that one team
I have a feeling this game will be similar to the late season game we played vs. the Giants at the Meadowlands. A close game but I'll be biased and give the advantage to the veteran team. I underestimated this team all season and I'm not about to do it again:
Howard/Stallworth's 27
Thomas/Simoneau's 24
Speaking of playoff experience, Brees has never won a playoff game.
He's been in only one, in fact, against the Jets in 2005 and lost that one in overtime.
tomorrow is going to be a long ass day...
Quote from: FFatPatt on January 12, 2007, 09:08:50 AM
I don't see why the Eagles shouldn't put up at least 22-23 points, the way they've been running the ball...
I also don't see how the Eagles can hold the Saints to less than 27-28.
28-22 Saints.
How exactly would you get to 22 points?
The Saints defense is soft in the middle, and with Lito out and the Eagles pass rush fading this game will be a shootout.
Remember this: If the Eagles don't give up any points on the Saints opening drive they'll win the game. Period.
As everyone else said, this game really comes down to whether or not the Saints can stop the run and whether or not the Eagles can get a few defensive stops. The Saints offense is too good to be shut down, but if they are forced to punt at least 4 times, the Eagles win.
Speaking of playoff experience, Brees has never won a playoff game.
He's been in only one, in fact, against the Jets in 2005 and lost that one in overtime.
lots of qb's have won their first playoff game much less their second
I tell you...the Eagles D needs to be solid on Third and Long. If they can stop a few of those Third and Long gaffes, they have a MUCH better shot of pulling the upset.
we've got the talent to do it, but its up to the coaches to take full advantage. i truely believe this game will be won or lost by the coaches.
eagles are hot saints are not!~@#!~#$
Birds 27 - Taints -24
Quote from: ice grillin you on January 12, 2007, 11:23:44 AM
Speaking of playoff experience, Brees has never won a playoff game.
He's been in only one, in fact, against the Jets in 2005 and lost that one in overtime.
lots of qb's have won their first playoff game much less their second
Hell... the SAINTS have only won 1 playoff game in their history... not that it really has any bearing on this game.
Let's just try not to be playoff win #2.
The Birds certainly can win this game, but scores of good things have to happen. And in this crazy season, not too many good things have happened. Despite all of the Katrina stuff, the karma is squarely on the side of the Birds in this contest. That being said, short drop-pass game + strong running is kryptonite for this defense. I'm not sure we can keep up. Saints 26 Birds 21.
Quote from: methdeez on January 12, 2007, 11:20:23 AM
Quote from: FFatPatt on January 12, 2007, 09:08:50 AM
I don't see why the Eagles shouldn't put up at least 22-23 points, the way they've been running the ball...
I also don't see how the Eagles can hold the Saints to less than 27-28.
28-22 Saints.
How exactly would you get to 22 points?
One TD and five FGs.
Quote from: BlueHeart on January 12, 2007, 11:38:30 AM
Quote from: methdeez on January 12, 2007, 11:20:23 AM
Quote from: FFatPatt on January 12, 2007, 09:08:50 AM
I don't see why the Eagles shouldn't put up at least 22-23 points, the way they've been running the ball...
I also don't see how the Eagles can hold the Saints to less than 27-28.
28-22 Saints.
How exactly would you get to 22 points?
One TD and five FGs.
Or...3 TDs, 1 2pt. conversion, and 2 PATs
Quote from: methdeez on January 12, 2007, 11:20:23 AM
Quote from: FFatPatt on January 12, 2007, 09:08:50 AM
I don't see why the Eagles shouldn't put up at least 22-23 points, the way they've been running the ball...
I also don't see how the Eagles can hold the Saints to less than 27-28.
28-22 Saints.
How exactly would you get to 22 points?
22 points scored in a recent game (http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/live/NFL_20061217_PHI@NYG)
Blue... don't look.
Thanks for re-opening that wound, Feva.
Hard headed.
Quote from: ice grillin you on January 12, 2007, 11:23:44 AM
lots of qb's have won their first playoff game much less their second
???
Quote from: cj2112 on January 12, 2007, 11:37:30 AM
The Birds certainly can win this game, but scores of good things have to happen. And in this crazy season, not too many good things have happened. Despite all of the Katrina stuff, the karma is squarely on the side of the Birds in this contest. That being said, short drop-pass game + strong running is kryptonite for this defense. I'm not sure we can keep up. Saints 26 Birds 21.
Sounds like our keys to winning the game
Eagles 2
Saints 0
Playoff experience wins at this time of year.
Eagles 31
Saints 24
Pay close attention to bobbyinlondon and Zanshin's heart. This is the only correct answer. It can be no other way. I need the points.
Eagles 34
Saints 14
Saints-31
Eagles-21
I think this game comes down to coaching and Sean Payton will outclass AR.
Quote from: BlueHeart on January 12, 2007, 11:10:02 AM
Saints 34
Eagles 27
Although I do believe you guys could win this game (any given Sunday and all that crap) if you keep your shtein together, I don't think you will.
Blue blood usually means your dead, and with a lame duck coach next season the Giants are as good as dead. so why dont you join them and DROP DEAD!
But seriously i still see the Eagles winning 26 23/24
Wow- that was witty and really cut to the bone. I especially like the clever way you were able to use the word "dead" 3 times in one over-winded sentence. You should give classes or, perhaps, become a professional smack talker.
just don't have a good feeling about this one. If we had blown the G-men out I might feel alot better. I just don't see the birds winning. Saints are just loaded. Everyone is saying there 4-4 at home but so what. It's the playoffs. Whole new ball game.
Quote from: BlueHeart on January 12, 2007, 03:20:39 PMthat was witty and really cut to the bone.
I liked the lame duck part myself. True, and because it is true, farging hilarious.
I only read the first post rather than all four pages, so I don't what's been said.
But I do know I'm picking Eagles in an upset. 31-23
Quote from: Don Ho on January 12, 2007, 03:25:29 PM
just don't have a good feeling about this one. If we had blown the G-men out I might feel alot better. I just don't see the birds winning. Saints are just loaded. Everyone is saying there 4-4 at home but so what. It's the playoffs. Whole new ball game.
Which they know nothing about.
And playing a close one against the Giants shouldn't surprise you at all. It's a division rival who the Eagles were playing for the 3rd time this year. That has nothing to do with how they'll play against the Saints.
Quote from: EagleFeva on January 12, 2007, 03:42:15 PM
Quote from: Don Ho on January 12, 2007, 03:25:29 PM
just don't have a good feeling about this one. If we had blown the G-men out I might feel alot better. I just don't see the birds winning. Saints are just loaded. Everyone is saying there 4-4 at home but so what. It's the playoffs. Whole new ball game.
Which they know nothing about.
And playing a close one against the Giants shouldn't surprise you at all. It's a division rival who the Eagles were playing for the 3rd time this year. That has nothing to do with how they'll play against the Saints.
true. hopefully the history continues.
If any Eagles fan predicts an Eagles loss after getting this far then you have real issues.
Quote from: King Cole on January 12, 2007, 04:29:29 PM
If any Eagles fan predicts an Eagles loss after getting this far then you have real issues.
But IGY has a connection to the team and the city that no one else on here has, he's a true Eagles fan, much more fan then all of us.
You two can join Rome on the short bus to hell.
Quote from: King Cole on January 12, 2007, 04:29:29 PM
If any Eagles fan predicts an Eagles loss after getting this far then you have real issues.
If anyone with an IQ over 80 doesn't at least consider the possibility that tomorrow night could very conceivably be the end of the Eagles' season, then they should re-take the exam.
Or just die. In flames.
Quote from: rjs246 on January 12, 2007, 05:01:12 PM
Or just die. In flames.
I think it's safe to say that only fictional characters (ie Forrest Gump) with an IQ under 80 deserve to live.
And even that's not a gimme.
But IGY has a connection to the team and the city that no one else on here has, he's a true Eagles fan, much more fan then all of us.
youre like 14 arent you
i doubt youre even pissing straight yet
your opinion on pretty much anything is voided
Quote from: FFatPatt on January 12, 2007, 04:59:41 PM
Quote from: King Cole on January 12, 2007, 04:29:29 PM
If any Eagles fan predicts an Eagles loss after getting this far then you have real issues.
If anyone with an IQ over 80 doesn't at least consider the possibility that tomorrow night could very conceivably be the end of the Eagles' season, then they should re-take the exam.
You realize you just cut Bunk out of the equation, right?
Quote from: Diomedes on January 12, 2007, 04:43:48 PM
You two can join Rome on the short bus to hell.
:-D :-D :-D
From the "Who gives a shtein, but related..." files:
Around the Horn covered the game...
J.A. Adande & Woody Paige - Saints
Tim Calishaw & Jay Mariotti - Eagles
Quote from: EagleFeva on January 12, 2007, 05:06:38 PM
You realize you just cut Bunk out of the equation, right?
Whether you're referring to "King Cole" or the actual Brodrick Bunkley... yes.
I didn't read through this thread, but I'm pretty sure the following picked the Eagles to lose:
FF
IGY
SunMo
Carry on.
What's your pick, fussybritches?
She picks Jabar Gaffney.
Quote from: FFatPatt on January 12, 2007, 05:21:14 PM
Quote from: EagleFeva on January 12, 2007, 05:06:38 PM
You realize you just cut Bunk out of the equation, right?
Whether you're referring to "King Cole" or the actual Brodrick Bunkley... yes.
Nah... the actual Bunkley scrapes by with an 81 or so. King Cole... if he even approaches 80, I'd be shocked.
Quote from: rjs246 on January 12, 2007, 05:31:08 PM
She picks Jabar Gaffney.
me > you at picking talent
Gaffney might win the SB for the Pats...and then what? :P
I don't make picks. I'm a superstitious bitch like that.
I have a new prediction:
Eagles - Eleventyfour
Saints - Ditka
Unless Garcia gets hurt, forcing Koy to come in and save the day, this game is a loss. Big loss. Ugly loss. James Mungro loss.
Quote from: General_Failure on January 12, 2007, 06:02:44 PM
Unless Garcia gets hurt, forcing Koy to come in and save the day, this game is a loss. Big loss. Ugly loss. James Mungro loss.
teehee
Well, I was totally worried about this game. Then I noticed something in the Inky, the By the Numbers story.
QuoteSaints: Using three-step drops and quick rhythm passes, Drew Brees completed 27 of 37 passes (three TDs) vs. Eagles on Oct. 15. He cooled off late in the season. Take out his five-TD performance vs. defenseless Dallas and he completed just 53.4 percent of his passes and averaged 5.5 yards per attempt in his last four starts.
This gives me hope, and I'm not ready for the off-season yet. Birds by less than a FG.
Quote from: FFatPatt on January 12, 2007, 04:59:41 PM
Quote from: King Cole on January 12, 2007, 04:29:29 PM
If any Eagles fan predicts an Eagles loss after getting this far then you have real issues.
If anyone with an IQ over 80 doesn't at least consider the possibility that tomorrow night could very conceivably be the end of the Eagles' season, then they should re-take the exam.
What if you have an iq under 80 and are still picking the Saints?
It doesn't matter who you pick. It only matters that you consider the possibility that the Saints could win.
Quote from: PhillyGirl on January 12, 2007, 05:26:54 PM
I didn't read through this thread, but I'm pretty sure the following picked the Eagles to lose:
FF
IGY
SunMo
Carry on
HA, never thought I'd read those words, but your 99% right anywayz even without reading the whole thread.
Quote from: FFatPatt on January 12, 2007, 06:44:31 PM
It doesn't matter who you pick. It only matters that you consider the possibility that the Saints could win.
On any given Sunday..............
A wise man once told me this......
Hope for the best............prepare for the worst.
(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f98/SD_Eagle5/ekcopybv6ih7.jpg)
Cool man.
ha
Cool in a purely football way.
Hilarious in a purely inappropriate way.
Quote from: SD_Eagle on January 12, 2007, 07:31:04 PM
(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f98/SD_Eagle5/ekcopybv6ih7.jpg)
I'm sending this to everyone I know.
Quote from: rjs246 on January 12, 2007, 07:42:43 PM
Hilarious in a purely inappropriate way.
Thats not excatly the kind of message I was sending.
That's tough, I'm spreading that message and giving you full credit. You're welcome.
Quote from: rjs246 on January 12, 2007, 07:51:48 PM
That's tough, I'm spreading that message and giving you full credit. You're welcome.
No way man.
They don't have hurricanes out there in San Diego do they??
I don't live in San Diego, chief. But I'll tell you what, you've got one twisted sense of humor. Sicko.
Wasn't talking about you. I always thought the SD was short for San Diego.
.........from one sicko to another.........
Who wins in a battle of hurricanes? Ditka or Eagle.
Brian Westbrook.
You really are in love.
How 'bout Jerome the home, big as a house Brown? He was a 'cane!
shtein, they get so many hurricanes down there they named a football team after them.
I didn't read through this thread
lie
we have an audience
30 guest. Damn.
'scuse me...........thirty two.
5 users, one hidden'. What the farg is that? What is hidden', or who is hiding?
Quote from: shorebird on January 12, 2007, 08:11:37 PM
How 'bout Jerome the home, big as a house Brown? He was a 'cane!
shtein, they get so many hurricanes down there they named a football team after them.
I think we shouldbring it home for Jerome baby, that song was actually a good song anyway
Iggles 52.5
Saints -3
And Da Coach would have stood on top of the Superdome and stopped Katrina all by himself if they wouldn't have fired him down there.
Quote from: PhillyGirl on January 12, 2007, 05:26:54 PM
I didn't read through this thread, but I'm pretty sure the following picked the Eagles to lose:
FF
IGY
SunMo
Carry on.
you should learn to read.
carry on.
i can't sleep...but it must be because i'm so negative and i can't wait to see the Eagles lose.
AIDS...all of you.
today should be nice and stressful. juniors got a bball game at noon, soccer game at 2:30 and the birds kickoff at 3:00 PM HST. might be worth the price of admission watching me coach soccer with my radio headsets on trying to figure out if i'm yelling at the boys or the birds. I hope to be home by second quarter.
This game has the same feel to me that the 2001 NFCCG had. I'm not going in expecting the Eagles to win, but I think they got a good chance to do so.
Please run the ball Andy.
Quote from: SunMo on January 13, 2007, 12:17:05 AM
i can't sleep...but it must be because i'm so negative and i can't wait to see the Eagles lose.
AIDS...all of you.
Xanax, Mo. . . trust me on that.
:sly
Quote from: SunMo on January 13, 2007, 12:17:05 AM
i can't sleep...but it must be because i'm so negative and i can't wait to see the Eagles lose.
AIDS...all of you.
You're such a vagina.
I like the Eagles in an underdog role. Last week against the Giants they were expected to win and seemed to get lackadasical in the 2nd half and didn't keep the pressure on. This week, with virtually everyone picking against them, they are back in that underdog role and they have that mentality.
I think this team needs that. It unifies the team and makes them play better. For as much as people say "if you can't get motivated to play this game, then you shouldn't be playing it" is true to some extent, but not many people are that self-motivated to get themselves up for EVERY game -- especially when you're favored.
So I think the underdog role will help unify the team, it will help them play well in a hostile environment, and I think it will put them in a good position to win it in the end. I'm confident about this game and I know it will be fun to watch. A good start is critical. I just want the O-line out front mauling people and really quieting the crowd and the emotions of the fans.
It might be an emotional game for the Saints because it is their first playoff appearance, it has given the City of New Orleans something to root for, etc. But the NFCCG against the Bucs was the last game in the Vet and all was pretty emotional from a fan perspective, and everyone was loud and rowdy at that game. But still, the Bucs had one big play and that shifted the momentum completely.
That could be similar. Or the Saints could come out with virtually 2 weeks rest and fail to get in a rhythm early and the Eagles could start hot and take away that momentum. The fans are only a factor if they have something to cheer for. If the Eagles to control the clock early and/or the Saints start off slow the Eagles have a chance to capture momentum early.
If I had to make a scoring prediction, I'll go with
Eagles 22
Saints 20
This week, with virtually everyone picking against them
actually with your pick of the eagles they are now overwhelmingly being picked to win by CF
Yeah, it does seem like the board likes the Eagles this week. But I was more so referring to major media outlets and predictions I've seen from sports writers and fans across the country generally.
While I feel good about this game, I know it can turn ugly quick. There is so much emotion wrapped up in this game that momentum can shift at any moment. But if the Eagles can grind the ball and establish the run, I like their chances.
Eagles O-line >> Saints Front 7
Quote from: ice grillin you on January 13, 2007, 08:35:02 AM
This week, with virtually everyone picking against them
actually with your pick of the eagles they are now overwhelmingly being picked to win by CF
What is the exact tally? It seems like to me that more people here are picking them to lose than win.
the philly sportswriters have it 9-6 saints
CF has it 19-7 eagles
Shocking.
Saying your expect us to lose is a way of softening the blow if it really happens...even with great odds of it happening.
But that kind of thinking throws in negative energy into the pot. I believe. I know if the most unlikely things can happen TO the Eagles, it can happen to anyone else. We've built up a karma credit. We've had a lot of negative shtein happen to 'us'. It's time for someone else to eat it.
Go Eagles!
Quote from: hbionic on January 13, 2007, 03:22:26 PM
Saying your expect us to lose is a way of softening the blow if it really happens...even with great odds of it happening.
Go Eagles!
you just nailed it. it's almost as if not getting cocky or to over confident (on our part) is going to will the birds to victory. I've told everyone all week how proud I am of this team, just happy to get this far, never in a zillion years did I think we'd be here.......the usual company line stuff. Really, deep down in my heart, in my gut, in my soul...........Let's do it! Let's win this thing!
GO BIRDS!!
I've been waffling back & forth all week about which way this game is going to end. After watching a replay of the October Saints game on NF Replay, I know that minus the sloppy mistakes, this team can hang with & run over the Saints. I think the Eagles have their shtein 100% more together than October & I'm predicting.....
Eagles 27
Saints 17
Alright, here's a summary of everyone's picks:
| Poster | Team | Score |
| igy | Saints | 34-20 |
| Dio | Saints | 34-17 |
| RJS | Saints | 27-17 |
| FF | Saints | 28-22 |
| JeffreyJPA | Eagles | 27-20 |
| Rome | Eagles | 23-21 |
| SunMo | Eagles | 27-24 |
| Phillywin2k5 | Eagles | 26-24 |
| hunt | Eagles | 27-20 |
| Phreak | Eagles | 24-17 |
| bobbyinlondon | Eagles | 27-17 |
| MURP | Eagles | 42-13 |
| Cerevant | Eagles | 24-20 |
| Zanshin | Bipolar :D | ??? |
| Shorebird | Copycat Bipolar :D | ??? |
| Tomahawk | Eagles | 31-27 |
| Feva | Eagles | 27-23 |
| BlueHart | Saints | 34-27 |
| SDEagle | Eagles | 27-24 |
| mussa | Eagles | 27-24 |
| MDS | Eagles | 2-0 |
| stalker | Eagles | 34-14 |
| drunkmasterflex | Saints | 31-21 |
| Demon | Eagles | 31-23 |
| phillymic2000 | Eagles | 52.5- (-3) |
| Eaglez | Eagles | 22-20 |
My observations of the predictions:
- From my count: 18 picked the Eagles, 6 the Saints, and two were bipolar.
- By and large, most posters think the Eagles win in a close game (<= 7 points).
- Only bobby, MURP, stalker and phillymic (sort of) picked the Eagles by more than 7.
- Those that pick the Saints think it will not be that close (=>7 points)
- igy and Dio both picked the Saints by 2 TDs or more.
- Other than MDS' and phillymic's silly scores, only Eaglez, stalker, Cerevant, bobby, Romey, JeffreyJPA and RJS had total scores of less than 50.
- None had total score of less than 40. Most think it is going to be an offensive game.
- For the Eagles, posters had a high score of 42 (MURP) and a low score of 17 (Dio, RJS).
- For the Saints, posters had a high score of 34 (igy, Dio, BlueHeart) and a low score of 13 (MURP)
- Largest Eagles margin of victory prediction is MURP (+29: 42-13).
- Largest Saints margin of victory prediction is Dio (-17: 34-17).
- Average Predicted Score (Does not count Zanshin, SD, MDS or phillymic): Eagles 25.86, Saints 23.57
My observations of the game:
- I agree with igy that the Eagles need to hold the Saints down early and stay close.
- I am a bit concerned with what I saw of Garcia early against the Giants. Hopefully, he can keep calm and steady in the first few series.
- If the Saints get three consecutive series beginning at midfield, this game is over.
- Hopefully the Eagles put an APB out on the DL. They've been missing too much this season.
- Akers is like GF: He loves him some Koy Detmer.
- Two words: Brian Westbrook.
- The DBs have their hands full. They need to keep the Saints receivers in front of them and stop the big plays.
- On first and goal: RUN THE DAMN BALL.
- If the Eagles win the toss, they need to take the ball right away.
My prediction:I will be wearing my new Westbrook jersey and cheering on my Eagles. Hopefully, I find a great deal to cheer on. Unfortunately (and per usual), I have that butterfly feeling in the pit of my stomach that this game could get ugly early. The Saints, if they score early, will feed off the energy of the crowd and pull away. If the Eagles can get on top early, that same crowd could work against the Saints, as the pressure and anxiety mounts for New Orleans.
In the end, I believe much like the rest of the posters, that the score will be fairly lopsided for the Saints, or closer with the Eagles coming out on top.
I hope - no, I pray - that I am wrong.
Saints 28, Eagles 13.
Saying your expect us to lose is a way of softening the blow if it really happens...even with great odds of it happening.
i said last week was the lock of the century for the birds
what does that mean?
Holy God, Geo.
Yikes. My 2-0 score was serious. Reno Mahe safety late in the 2nd qtr wins it.
Quote from: rjs246 on January 13, 2007, 04:55:44 PM
Holy God, Geo.
It was either that or put the Christmas decorations back in the attic crawlspace.
By the way, my prediction changes the average score to
Eagles 25.27
Saints 23.77
eagles 27 - sants 17 .. go birds
Quote from: rjs246 on January 13, 2007, 04:55:44 PM
Holy God, Geo.
He's a teacher, man... what the hell do you expect? :-D
It was either that or put the Christmas decorations back in the attic crawlspace.
i love it
He's a teacher, man
(http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/927/krs1c4bm.gif)
Crazy enough... he crossed my mind as I typed that.
Quote from: rjs246 on January 13, 2007, 04:55:44 PM
Holy God, Geo.
Haha. That was my exact thought when I read that.
Nice use of bullets, though.
:yay
Indeed. Quite impressive, Geo. :yay
Someone stayed awake in Statistics class.
What do I win for picking the winner correctly and coming within 3 total points of the exact score?
I'll tell you what I win - SCOTT YOUNG STARTING FOR THE EAGLES NEXT YEAR.
i picked the score right
Quote from: SunMo on January 13, 2007, 11:43:07 PM
i picked the score right
You were 6 total points and a correct winner off, farty mcgee.
I told you Koy should have played.
well you suck
Shut up you face.
And he held Akers' balls like he was born to do it.
Ok, I'll shut up me face.
Quote from: FFatPatt on January 13, 2007, 11:42:21 PM
What do I win for picking the winner correctly and coming within 3 total points of the exact score?
A naked picture of Bea Arthur. Check your In-Box for details.
Quote from: Jerome99RIP on January 14, 2007, 08:11:55 AM
Quote from: FFatPatt on January 13, 2007, 11:42:21 PM
What do I win for picking the winner correctly and coming within 3 total points of the exact score?
A naked picture of Bea Arthur. Check your In-Box for details.
There's nothing there, you tease!
He's also mailing you an Oakland Raiders helmet full of cottage cheese.
Quote from: General_Failure on January 14, 2007, 03:59:16 PM
He's also mailing you an Oakland Raiders helmet full of cottage cheese.
(http://www.thesmilies.com/smilie-generator/image/yellow%5E_%5Etimes%5E_%5E9%5E_%5E8%5E_%5EWTF%21%3F%5E_%5E.gif) (http://www.thesmilies.com)
im pretty sure thats a reference from the movie Airheads