NFC Wild Card: Looking at potential opponents for the Eagles
New Orleans Saints
Oh man, this one would feel like Deja Vu. Nick Foles versus Drew Brees in a playoff game in Philadelphia? Is it 2013 all over again? For those who don’t remember, the last time the Eagles played in the playoffs, it was back in 2013. That’s when they were defeated by the Saints at Lincoln Finacial Field 26-24.
While some may have gotten over that loss, it still stings for others who had hope for the Chip Kelly Era. But as always, there will be another opportunity brewing in the NFL. This week, the Saints have a difficult matchup against their division foes, the Carolina Panthers at home. While Eagles fans may want to avoid the surprisingly dominant Saints this season, they may want to think again.
Yes, the Saints have taken care of the Panthers not once, but twice this season. So the third time around should be easy, right? Nope. It is already difficult enough to sweep a division rival in the NFL, but now the Saints would have to do it a third time. While that doesn’t concern the Eagles too much. It could take a toll on the Saints.
Giving it all too early…
If you think about it, the Saints versus Panthers matchup could potentially be a hard-fought battle. The last time these two teams met, it was a ten-point victory at home for the Saints. This week they will have the crowd on their side once again, but come Week Two, they won’t have that advantage at all.
On top of the change from a dome at home environment to a bitter cold stadium, the Saints would be on a short week. A team who had a week off against a team who is coming off a short week in a tough matchup, you would have to like the odds for the Eagles there. Unlike 2013, the Eagles have a much better defensive unit. The last thing they would want to do against the Saints is let Brees pick apart their ‘Gang Green’ secondary.
Also, the surprisingly stingy defense from the Saints would be very difficult for the lost unit that is the Eagles offense. Honestly, Saints versus the Eagles on paper is the scariest matchup for Philadelphia as of right now. But this game would be win-able for the home team no matter what. This is probably the team that the Eagles don’t want, but it is the team that they will most likely get. If that’s the case, the Eagles would have to avoid an offensive shootout at all costs. They cannot win that way. Keep the score low and the Eagles will always have a shot.