NFL
By: Mark T. Wilson
The (13-2) Philadelphia Eagles will battle the (6-9) New Orleans Saints this Sunday as the Eagles look to clinch the NFC East and the No.1 seed in the NFC all before Week 18. Following their Week 16 loss at the hands of the Dallas Cowboys, many are wondering if it’s time to panic. Wow, 2 losses and the hounds are out already? Where is that talk for the Buffalo Bills or the Kansas City Chiefs?
The Saints have searched for and not found their identity all season. However, they can still play spoiler this week. A win here will put a dent in the Eagles’ plans and it will also put a dent in the Eagles’ 2023 draft pick that the Eagles own of theirs. Alvin Kamara must have a huge day if the Saints have any chance of upsetting the Eagles.
Here are 3 keys to victory for the Philadelphia Eagles against the New Orleans Saints.
Let The Cowboys’ Loss Go
There were a few things the Philadelphia Eagles can point to as to why they were defeated by the Cowboys last week. But we’re not here to discuss those finer points. With that said, they must let that loss go. It’s in the past and truth be told, that loss did not hurt the Eales one bit. They still control their own fate and if they can handle their business against the Saints, the Eagles will be right where they need to be heading into the playoffs.
Losing to a division rival is always a hard pill to swallow but even with this young bunch, Nick Sirianni has not allowed his team to focus on the finish line. One game at a time is how he has prepared then but that does not mean that outside forces have not had their say.
Let The RBs Go Wild
The Eagles need to get back to running the ball. And I don’t mean Hurts taking off. Where is the production from Miles Sanders and Kenneth Gainwell? Although Sanders notched his first 1000-yard season this year, it’s time he puts the offense on his back for at least this game and lead them to a victory. No matter who is under center, the Eagles’ offense should be run-heavy against the Saints and their 23rd-ranked run defense.
Last week against the Cowboys, the Eagles as a unit rushed the ball 27 times for 87 yards and 1 score. There have been times as they did against the Chicago Bears when they focused on the run late. Entering Week 17, the Eagles are raked 4th in Rushing Yards but a huge portion of that has come from the QB position with Hurts gaining 747 yards on the ground.
Philadelphia Eagles Must Protect The Ball
At this point, there is no official word if the starting QB will be Jalen Hurts or Gardner Minshew. Whoever it is under center, they must do a better job of protecting the ball. Against the Bears, Hurts threw 2 interceptions. Against the Cowboys, Minshew followed up Hurts’ performance with 2 of his own. This cannot continue if the Eagles are to walk away victorious against the Saints. But it doesn’t end with the QBs.
Miles Sanders coughed the ball up in a crucial moment against the Cowboys. While the Saints are not as explosive as the Cowboys on either side of the ball, the Eagles can’t afford to let them stick around while they shoot themselves in the foot. If they can protect the ball as they did leading up to the Bears game, the Eagles will end the day as the NFC East Champ and No. 1 seed in the NFC.
