Eagles Throwback: Philly's defense dominates in 21-7 win over Saints

After the late-game collapse that ended their home opener on Monday Night Football, the Philadelphia Eagles are moving on and taking on one of the hottest teams in the NFL. The New Orleans Saints are their adversaries in Week 3.

These two teams have met 35 times in their history. The Eagles have won 19 of those meetings, but the boys from Bayou have won three of the last five meetings.

Let's revisit a meeting that came on September 24, 2000. A second-year head coach, Andy Reid, and his team looked to end a two-game losing streak heading into the Week 4 matchup. Philly's defense needed to show the fanbase that giving up 39 points in their two-game slump wasn't their style, and in this one, they would accomplish that.

The Eagles would earn the much-needed win, and that helped spearhead an eventual 11-5 regular-season finish.

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Eagles vs Saints: September 24, 2000

Things didn't start well in this one. Jason Bostic muffed a punt, which was recovered by Chris Oldham and set the Saints up with the ball at their 45-yard line. New Orleans capitalized, eventually scoring on a 10-yard rush from quarterback Jeff Blake. Just like that, New Orleans led 7-0 with 7:50 left in the first quarter.

Philly would be held scoreless in the first quarter, but they would find the end zone early in the second. An 88-yard drive took only ten plays. Donovan McNabb found his tight end Chad Lewis for the 16-yard touchdown reception to tie the game at seven.

New Orleans wouldn't throw a counter-punch. Ricky Williams fumbled the ball on the first play of the ensuing drive. Hollis Thomas recovered, setting Philly up at the Saints 21-yard line.

Philly's offense took full advantage of the turnover. Donovan McNabb connected with wide receiver Charles Johnson for a 21-yard touchdown reception to give their team a 14-7 lead at the end of the first half.

Fast forward to the late minutes of the third quarter. Eagles returner Brian Mitchell fielded a punt and took it 72 yards to the house. That would end the scoring as Philly left New Orleans with a 21-7 victory.

Eagles versus Saints 2000 stat line

Heading into the Saints matchup, Donovan McNabb had thrown one touchdown and one interception while being sacked eight times during the Birds' two-game losing streak. He turned things around in the Big Easy.

He completed 20 32 passes and threw for 222 yards with two touchdowns. His offensive line was still a little leaky though. He was sacked three times during the game.

Torrance Small didn't record a touchdown, but he was a McNabb's guy for most of the game. He caught five receptions for 74 yards. Charles Johnson was another of McNabb's trusted targets. He caught three receptions for 48 yards with one touchdown.

Tight end Chad Lewis had five receptions for 43 yards for one touchdown. The Eagles' defense also showed out in this game. They shut down Saints quarterback Jeff Blake by limiting him to 163 passing yards and intercepting two passes. They also sacked him five times in the win.

Troy Vincent was the recipient of those two interceptions. Corey Simon led the unit in sacks by getting two of the five. Hollis Thomas packed a punch in this game, forcing two fumbles.

Let's hope for a similar result the next time these two meet.

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