3 Keys to a Philadelphia Eagles win versus New Orleans in Week 14

3. The Philadelphia Eagles must give Jalen Hurts time.

New Orleans will bring one of the best run defense’s in the league to Philadelphia this Sunday. They have not allowed a 100-yard rusher in 2020. Opposing offenses are averaging 76.1 rushing yards per game (second in NFL) and 3.3 yards per rush, which is good for tops in the NFL. The Saints have also allowed just five rushing touchdowns on the year. They’ve got plenty of pass rushers as they’re third in the league with 36 sacks and fifth in the league with 83 quarterback hits. The front seven is dominant.

If this offensive line cannot establish the run, it’s going to be a long day for Jalen Hurts. His speed can hide some of the problems of the offensive line. If the Saints start to put a spy on Hurts, it’s going to be an issue though. His speed won’t bail the ‘Birds’ out every snap. It’s no secret this offensive line is awful. With Jason Peters out for the season, the Philadelphia Eagles will have another new offensive line. This is the line everyone has been waiting to see though with Mailata, Seumalo, Kelce, Herbig, and Driscoll. It will take time for them to play as a group and communicate stunts but it’s good that they are learning.

This week they face will be a near-impossible task. Cameron Jordan, Trey Hendrickson, and David Onyemeta have been the stars in the trenches for the Saints. Behind them, Marcus Davenport and Sheldon Rankins can generate plenty of pressure. Carl Granderson, Shy Tuttle, and Malcolm Brown also provide great depth for this group. It is similar to the 2017 Eagles defensive line that rotated so much. Eagles fans know how impactful a rotating defensive line can be. It makes the secondary’s job a lot easier.

Being able to bring in fresh defensive lineman each snap makes this offensive line’s job even more difficult. Plus, there will be some blitz packages with guys like Demario Davis and Malcolm Jenkins. This team has been awful with recognizing blitzes and stunts. Even on Hurts 34-yard pass to Jalen Reagor last week, Miles Sanders did not pick up the blitz. The Birds might need to have extra guys help protect Hurts whether it’s Dallas Goedert, a running back, or even an extra offensive lineman in a heavy formation.