Game 8 Rapid Reaction: Eagles @ Saints

Saints 28, Eagles 16

Saints Run Game Impressive, Defense Gets 7 Sacks

The opening Eagles drive was extended on penalties (even though Vick ducked into the sack), and a catch ruled reception on the field even though it hit the ground. Hartley missed a long field goal attempt that looked God awful. It sure seemed like it was going to be one of those nights. Even up 21-3, going into the 3rd Quarter, when it seemed all but sure the Saints would put it away….Brees fumbled, and the Eagles came right back with a huge TD. Then the ensuing kickoff lead to a Cadet fumble, which gave the Eagles a new life – it seemed like it was Kansas City all over again. However, the Saints overcame, and emerged victorious. Here are a few key moments/points from yesterday’s victory.

Even the Refs helped

Patrick Robinson Pick Six
P-Rob didn’t make up for everything that has happened this season, but it was a sure start, as he got the tipped Vick pass to Celek, and tied Darren Sharper’s record of a 99-Yard Interception return for a TD. It changed the entire aspect of the game, because the Eagles were destined to come away with some type of points. Kudos for the awareness, and it was the first time I’ve seen a QB get called for a low block/chop block on a play where he was trying to make a tackle.

Weirdest. Penalty. Ever.

The Run Game Worked

It was extremely refreshing that Drew Brees didn’t have to throw it 30, 40, or even 50 times last night. Brees went a modest 21/27, 239 Yards, and 2TD (Colston-Graham). Instead of the pass heavy philosophy, the Saints run game pounded out 140 Yards on the night with the help of Ivory (10-48), Ingram (7-44), PT (6-44), and even Cadet (1-5). The Saints averaged 5.6 Yards/Carry. Chris Ivory had a beautiful 22 yard TD scamper, and we saw how effective the counter was. Mark Ingram ripped off a very impressive 23 yard run, where he simply wouldn’t go down (maybe he was fueled by that Bama game, but at any rate, I haven’t lost hope for him yet), and Pierre Thomas had a long of 19, in which it looked similar to the signature ‘PT Screen’ play. The balanced attack of the Saints proved to be effective, as they passed it 27 times, and ran it 25 times. Even though the Saints were outgained, and you look at 371 Total Yards of Offense and think, wait, what? The message was clear, our offense CAN run the ball. I had mentioned to a buddy of mine that of the first 15 plays (which are usually scripted), we would see mayb 60% of runs, and after Ingram lost 3 Yards on the opening carry, I was expecting that we were going to abandon the run completely.  However, the first 15 plays went 8 plays to 7 runs, so I may have missed it (47%), still pretty close :)

There's no question, we need more of this.

Defense Comes Up Huge

Sure, you could point out the Saints surrendered 447 yards last night, and every critic continues to call us the ‘worst defense in NFL history’. You would also say that the Eagles ripped us to shreds on the ground (221 Rushing Yards). However, I only saw 16 points on the Eagles scoreboard last night. I also saw 7, count’em, 7 sacks on the night, and we could have had more. Cam Jordan led the way with 3 Sacks on the night, Will Smith had 2, Wilson & Bunkley had 1. Let’s also call to attention the 2 turnovers (P-Rob INT, Quddus Fumble Recovery) helped, and we nearly had a 3rd (when Vick was stripped on the opening drive). Aside from the Desean Jackson 77-Yard Catch, the receivers were held in check for the most part. It was said that Spagnoulo’s 2007 defense with the Giants turned things around in Week 8. Last night was a scary parallel, and one could only hope this is a sign of things to come. I loved seeing the pressure that our front four was able to generate.

No one will think to look for me here!

It was a bittersweet victory, and in desperation, the Saints showed they wanted it more. With the victory, we move a little closer in that Wild Card playoff race at 3-5. The true test comes this week, and I don’t have to spell it out for you, but with the Falcons coming to town with their perfect 8-0 record, it will surely be ’the matchup’ that could potentially boost the Saints for the rest of the year. A few things to watch for this week: The return of Mickey Loomis, David Hawthorne’s health, and the ultimate ruling/proceedings with Paul Tagliabue.

Everyone should have enjoyed this win, but if you aren’t in Atlanta mode today, then get in it!