Eagles/Saints talk

[mikey418]

I noticed AR did put Moats and Westbrook out there in a split back formation last week...

[General_Failure]

And called a pass?

[SD_Eagle5]

Eagles breakdwon from the Aints site:

Philly Preview
Douglas P. Miller, NewOrleansSaints.com
Oct 11, 2006 – 11:00 a


Last week the Saints faced off, and defeated the defending NFC South champs, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The result: A thrilling 24-21 victory, the Saints' second win in the rugged NFC South this season. This week, the task is equally, if not more so, daunting.

Enter the 4-1 Philadelphia Eagles.

The wreaking crew from the south side of the 'City of Brotherly Love,' pack a dangerous and potent punch, in all facets of the game, whether it be throwing or running the football.

Where do we start? How about at the top? Head Coach Andy Reid is a no-nonsense shooter. His record (81-48) speaks for itself, as does his varied play-calling skills. The Eagles were once almost a strictly pass-oriented offense, using the running game perhaps as just a way to get their wide receivers a quick breather and to allow the offensive line a quick respite from backing up all the time into pass protecting.

Times have changed. After a disappointing 2005 season, Reid vowed to utilize the running game more effectively, which they accomplished, as evidenced by their 114.0 rushing average per game.

Offensively, quarterback Donovan McNabb, a terrific player who has unfortunately found himself in some in-house squabbling with a player who no longer plays for the Eagles, has started the 2006 season like a house of fire. McNabb has completed nearly 60% of his passes for 1,602 yards, or 9.10 yard per completion with 11 touchdowns and only one interception.

McNabb is given time by a highly touted offensive line, featuring former first round draft choice Shawn Andrews at right guard and mountain man Jon Runyan at right tackle.

In the running back department, you never can be quite sure what might be seen. Each week a new player seems to emerge, whether it be Brian Westbrook, a water-bug player who draws comparisons to Reggie Bush in his versatility, former Nebraska star I-back Correll Buckhalter, former La. Tech standout Ryan Moats or Brigham Young alum Reno Mahe. Regardless of what number lines up in the backfield, they can all run it and catch it.

The wide receivers are led by former Saints receiver Donte Stallworth, who missed the weeks with a tweaked hamstring. Obviously his absence wasn't a devastating blow to the offensive productivity, as McNabb threw for xxx yards against the much-talked about secondary that features the likes of Roy Williams and Terrance Newman. Reggie Brown starts opposite of Stallworth, with Hank Baskett and Greg Lewis seeing plenty of playing time, as well. Should the offense stall, the Birds rely on former Texas standout kicker David Akers. The lefty is one of the league's best kickers and has range that escalates into the mid 50-yard range. The punting chores are handled by Dirk Johnson, who is averaging nearly 43 yards per pop.

Defensively, it starts up front for the Eagles, as former Saints defensive end Darren Howard (three sacks) and fellow end Trent Cole (six sacks) have manned the bookend positions. Along the interior, Darwin Walker (three sacks on Sunday against the Cowboys) and Reggie Bush's former USC teammate, Mike Patterson, form an imposing front.

Jeremiah Trotter, the ageless one, is a mainstay of defensive coordinator Jim Johnson's varied defensive looks. Dhani Jones and Matt McCoy flank Trotter and are utilized by Johnson in their various blitz packages, which they utilize often.

In the secondary, the cornerback spots feature Sheldon Brown and Lito Sheppard, while the hard-hitting Brian Dawkins mans the free safety spot and Michael Lewis plays over the tight end.

[QB Eagles]

Last week the Saints faced off,(incorrect comma) and defeated the defending NFC South champs, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The result: A thrilling 24-21 victory, the Saints' second win in the rugged NFC South this season. This week, the task is equally, if not more so, daunting.

Enter the 4-1 Philadelphia Eagles.

The wreaking crew from the south side of the 'City of Brotherly Love,(incorrect comma)' pack a dangerous and potent punch,(incorrect comma) in all facets of the game, whether it be throwing or running the football.

Where do we start? How about at the top? Head Coach Andy Reid is a no-nonsense shooter. His record (81-48) speaks for itself, as does his varied play-calling skills. The Eagles were once almost a strictly pass-oriented offense, using the running game perhaps as just a way to get their wide receivers a quick breather and to allow the offensive line a quick respite from backing up all the time into pass protecting.

....

McNabb is given time by a highly touted offensive line, featuring former first round draft choice Shawn Andrews at right guard and mountain man Jon Runyan at right tackle.

In the running back department, you never can be quite sure what might be seen. Each week a new player seems to emerge, whether it be Brian Westbrook, a water-bug player (what?) who draws comparisons to Reggie Bush in his versatility, former Nebraska star I-back Correll Buckhalter, former La. Tech standout Ryan Moats or Brigham Young alum Reno Mahe. Regardless of what number lines up in the backfield, they (pronoun with no antecedent) can all run it and catch it.

The wide receivers are led by former Saints receiver Donte Stallworth, who missed the weeks with a tweaked hamstring. Obviously his absence wasn't a devastating blow to the offensive productivity, as McNabb threw for xxx yards  against the much-talked about secondary that features the likes of Roy Williams and Terrance Newman. Reggie Brown starts opposite of Stallworth, with Hank Baskett and Greg Lewis seeing plenty of playing time, as well. Should the offense stall, the Birds rely on former Texas standout kicker David Akers. The lefty is one of the league's best kickers and has range that escalates into the mid 50-yard range. The punting chores are handled by Dirk Johnson, who is averaging nearly 43 yards per pop.

Defensively, it starts up front for the Eagles, as former Saints defensive end Darren Howard (three sacks) and fellow end Trent Cole (six sacks) have manned the bookend positions. Along the interior, Darwin Walker (three sacks on Sunday against the Cowboys) and Reggie Bush's former USC teammate, Mike Patterson, form an imposing front.

Jeremiah Trotter, the ageless one, (he's 29) is a mainstay of defensive coordinator Jim Johnson's varied defensive looks. Dhani Jones and Matt McCoy flank Trotter and are utilized by Johnson in their various blitz packages, which they utilize often.

In the secondary, the cornerback spots feature Sheldon Brown and Lito Sheppard, while the hard-hitting Brian Dawkins mans the free safety spot and Michael Lewis plays over the tight end.

I think I'm beginning to see why Spads brings home the best website award every year.

[Diomedes]

You must be some kind of elitist east coast liberal snob.  Who else cares about spelling, or grammar?  How rude.

also...I have yet to hear anyone compare Westbrook to Bush.  The other way around, especially when talking about how Bush (like Westbrook) can be dangerous from a wide out postion, sure.  But not Westbrook to Bush.

[QB Eagles]

New Orleans should stick to voodoo, jazz, gumbo, and titties, and they should leave both the football and the thinkin' to folks who don't speak in bastichized French.

That's my pre-game trash talk for the week. 

[bobbyinlondon]

David Akers=Louisville

[PhillyGirl]

also...I have yet to hear anyone compare Westbrook to Bush.  The other way around, especially when talking about how Bush (like Westbrook) can be dangerous from a wide out postion, sure.  But not Westbrook to Bush.

I was just about to say that same thing.

[Feva]

OHMYGODBRIANWESTBROOK!

[Seabiscuit36]

Found this on another board 

[SOARIN EAGLE]

SERIES HISTORY: The game on Sunday will be the 24th meeting between the Eagles and Saints. Eagles lead the series 15-8-0. The Saints have not beaten the Eagles  since 1991 or the last seven times they have played.  In that stretch the Eagles played 4 games in New Orleans out scoring them 99-54.

Last week Sheppard returned to the Eagles lineup allowing the Eagles to to pass rush more vigorously than they have been since his departure. Eagles knew last week if they stopped Bledsoe, Owens and Glenn the game was theirs to be had. Eagles DB's played deeper most of the game  which allowed for some big gains in the running game.

This week the Eagles DB's won't have as much respect for the Saints passing. The backs will play closer to the line of scrimmage which will help in stopping the Saints running game. I would expect Andy Reid to assign a roamer each play to help in stopping McAllister and Bush.

Offensively the Eagles should be able to run the ball. The Saints are giving up 123 rushing yards a game. Look for Buckhalter, Westbrook and possibly Moats to have a good game against the rush defense of the Saints.

Once the run game has been established McNabb will air it out. McNabb should have another 300 plus passing yards by games end. Of course this is Andy Reid were talking about. The Eagles might throw first to set up the run. Either way our RB's should have a good day.

INJURIES:

Donte Stallworth has not practiced this week as of Thursday and will most likely sit out the game against the Saints. Stallworth is listed as doubtful.

Roderick Hood has not practiced at all this week either. Hood will most likely sit out the game also. Hood is listed as doubtful.

Brian Westbrook practiced Wednesday and Thursday which is a good sign since Westbrook hasn't been able to practice the prior 3 weeks. Westbrook's knee had very little swelling since last weeks game against the Cowboys. So much for all the soothsayers saying Westbrook was headed for surgery this week. Westbrook is listed as questionable.

Matt McCoy came away with a hip pointer in the Dallas game last week. Matt will play unless he suffers some kind of set back between now and Sunday. Matt is listed as day to day.

Shawn Barber also came away from the Dallas game with a hip pointer. Like Matt McCoy unless he suffer a set back between now and Sunday he will play. Barber is listed as probable.

Eagles 27 Saints 20

http://eaglesnation.bravehost.com/

[Cerevant]

I guess this is as good a place as any for predictions...

Usless Stats & Picks:

Aikman Efficiency Rating
     Eagles     Saints    Edge
Off   86.8       79.8     Eagles
Def   81.9       72.6     Eagles
Tot  168.7      152.4     Eagles

Jeff Sagarin Computer Ratings (+3.1 for home field)
              Eagles     Saints    Edge
Pure Points   26.02      23.76     Eagles
ELO_CHESS     23.44      24.64     Saints
Combined      24.75      24.31     Eagles

Yards/Point Defense "Bendability Index"
Eagles:  17.3
Saints:  17.8
Edge:    Saints

Power Rankings
              Eagles     Saints    Edge
ESPN            4          13      Eagles
DVOA            3          19      Eagles
FOX             8          16      Eagles

"Experts"
              Eagles     Saints
(Yahoo)
Carter          X
Robinson        X
Cole            X
Funston                    X
Yahoo Users    76%
(CBS)
Harmon                     X
Prisco          X
Judge                      X
Bromberg        X
Davis           X
Richard                    X


Cerevant's Homertastic Pick:
Eagles 27
Saints  21

[bobbyinlondon]

That's odd Harmon would pick the Saints when he picked the Eagles 23-21 to win it.

[QB Eagles]

That's odd Harmon would pick the Saints when he picked the Eagles 23-21 to win it.

Those picks above are against the spread.

[shorebird]

You must be some kind of elitist east coast liberal snob. Who else cares about spelling, or grammar? How rude.

also...I have yet to hear anyone compare Westbrook to Bush. The other way around, especially when talking about how Bush (like Westbrook) can be dangerous from a wide out postion, sure. But not Westbrook to Bush.

Got mirrors?

Bwest is one of if not the best offensive player in the league when he's on the field. Bush has a way to go to get were Bwest is. Give him a couple of years. He could be just as good if not better. (injury free)

Offensively the Eagles should be able to run the ball. The Saints are giving up 123 rushing yards a game. Look for Buckhalter, Westbrook and possibly Moats to have a good game against the rush defense of the Saints.

Once the run game has been established McNabb will air it out.

Brian Westbrook practiced Wednesday and Thursday which is a good sign since Westbrook hasn't been able to practice the prior 3 weeks. Westbrook's knee had very little swelling since last weeks game against the Cowboys. So much for all the soothsayers saying Westbrook was headed for surgery this week. Westbrook is listed as questionable.

Eagles 27 Saints 20
http://eaglesnation.bravehost.com/

I like the way Ried has been mixing the run in there with a good rotation of rb's. Buck, if he doesn't fumble, is a nice threat to get 10-15 yds. Moats has done well, and with Bwest, it's as good a running game we've had since Duce was here.

As for Mcnabb airing it out, thats what I'll be waiting for. He's on fire. It's good that L.J. is not on anyones injury report. He's proving himself to be one of the best tight ends in the league. I hope Stallworth takes all the time he needs to get healthy. With him this offense is sick.

I just hope Bwest doesn't have to put up with a bad knee all year.