Monday Night Showdown:
Saints & Eagles Both Need This Win; Sproles Out
Saints & Eagles Both Need This Win; Sproles Out
Here's my weekly take on the Keys to the Game for the Saints on Monday Night!
Offense
The Offense suffered a serious setback last week, not being able to move the ball in Denver whatsoever, and Brees being limited to one of his worst outings, in terms of yardage, of his career. The Saints went 1-12 on 3rd down, and they were stuffed on all fronts. The Eagles defense has not been able to get pressure to the QB, and if you caught the game last week against Atlanta, the one sack they were able to produce was applauded by the Philly faithful (clearly sarcasm). Our O-Line can’t let this defense do anything, and we should look at establishing some sort of run game, and at least attempt to see if our revamped Hydra of Ingram-Thomas-Ivory (Sproles is hurt, and will not play) is able to get something going. Not having the services of Sproles is a tremendous loss for the offense, but with all of the barking that Chris Ivory has done, it would be up to him to show us why he deserves to be an every week starter. One minor note, but something worth pointing out, is Daniel Graham was released this week, and Greg Camarillo was brought back in. Clearly the Saints missed Joe Morgan last week (who should be back this week), and Brees needs a weapon (yes, that’s not a typo) to help spread the ball around. We should without a doubt see our normal offense back on the field, but the opening drive is what will set the tone for the rest of the game. I look for Brees to spread this around a good bit, and despite that Asomugha fella being in the Eagles secondary, I’m sure we’ll see whoever he matches up on (Colston one would think) to continue his trend. Jimmy Graham is due for a monster game, as he has not had a 100 yard receiving game this season.
The Offense suffered a serious setback last week, not being able to move the ball in Denver whatsoever, and Brees being limited to one of his worst outings, in terms of yardage, of his career. The Saints went 1-12 on 3rd down, and they were stuffed on all fronts. The Eagles defense has not been able to get pressure to the QB, and if you caught the game last week against Atlanta, the one sack they were able to produce was applauded by the Philly faithful (clearly sarcasm). Our O-Line can’t let this defense do anything, and we should look at establishing some sort of run game, and at least attempt to see if our revamped Hydra of Ingram-Thomas-Ivory (Sproles is hurt, and will not play) is able to get something going. Not having the services of Sproles is a tremendous loss for the offense, but with all of the barking that Chris Ivory has done, it would be up to him to show us why he deserves to be an every week starter. One minor note, but something worth pointing out, is Daniel Graham was released this week, and Greg Camarillo was brought back in. Clearly the Saints missed Joe Morgan last week (who should be back this week), and Brees needs a weapon (yes, that’s not a typo) to help spread the ball around. We should without a doubt see our normal offense back on the field, but the opening drive is what will set the tone for the rest of the game. I look for Brees to spread this around a good bit, and despite that Asomugha fella being in the Eagles secondary, I’m sure we’ll see whoever he matches up on (Colston one would think) to continue his trend. Jimmy Graham is due for a monster game, as he has not had a 100 yard receiving game this season.
Defense
"On defense it starts with me," first-year defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo said. "Somehow, some way, I have to get better with my job. I hope everyone else does the same thing. When you add it all up, everybody gets better and the whole defense gets better." Everyone is well aware of the stats, and they don’t lie. The league’s worst defense will have nut up or shut up to stop Vick & company, an offense who has been struggling. Vick has been struggling, along with the entire team, and that’s something our defense should ultimately look to capitalize on. There’s some great news for the Saints, in that David Hawthorne has practiced all week, and should be in the lineup after dealing with that pesky hamstring for the past month. Containing Lesean McCoy is top priority here. He has been (like always) the bright spot of the Eagles offensive attack. I look for our full array of Linebackers to account for him on plays. Here’s what we want, some picks. We have two all season (Harper/Greer). The secondary will be under the microscope, as last week saw Patrick Robinson giving up the big plays to Demariyus Thomas, and then a swap was made to put Johnny Patrick on him. I don’t particularly like P-Rob on Desean Jackson, so I just want us to account & give the support needed. It sounds easy on paper, but it will just come down to pure execution.
"On defense it starts with me," first-year defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo said. "Somehow, some way, I have to get better with my job. I hope everyone else does the same thing. When you add it all up, everybody gets better and the whole defense gets better." Everyone is well aware of the stats, and they don’t lie. The league’s worst defense will have nut up or shut up to stop Vick & company, an offense who has been struggling. Vick has been struggling, along with the entire team, and that’s something our defense should ultimately look to capitalize on. There’s some great news for the Saints, in that David Hawthorne has practiced all week, and should be in the lineup after dealing with that pesky hamstring for the past month. Containing Lesean McCoy is top priority here. He has been (like always) the bright spot of the Eagles offensive attack. I look for our full array of Linebackers to account for him on plays. Here’s what we want, some picks. We have two all season (Harper/Greer). The secondary will be under the microscope, as last week saw Patrick Robinson giving up the big plays to Demariyus Thomas, and then a swap was made to put Johnny Patrick on him. I don’t particularly like P-Rob on Desean Jackson, so I just want us to account & give the support needed. It sounds easy on paper, but it will just come down to pure execution.
Special Teams
Sproles cannot go, so we may see PT, Cadet, or Ivory (even Roby, but he’s hurt) handle some returning duties on kickoffs, and Lance Moore returning punts. Morstead is booting the crap out of balls, which is not a shock to any. Hartley is 7/9 on Field Goals this season, missing one from 30-39, and one from 40-49. I’d really like to see the Saints rely on him some more for this game, but of course, I’ll take 6 over 3 any day.
Sproles cannot go, so we may see PT, Cadet, or Ivory (even Roby, but he’s hurt) handle some returning duties on kickoffs, and Lance Moore returning punts. Morstead is booting the crap out of balls, which is not a shock to any. Hartley is 7/9 on Field Goals this season, missing one from 30-39, and one from 40-49. I’d really like to see the Saints rely on him some more for this game, but of course, I’ll take 6 over 3 any day.
X-Factor
Every week, there are so many potential difference makers, but I’m gonna take our Linebackers. I don’t see us playing a ton of Nickel like we did in Denver last game, and with Hawthorne being back in the lineup, we may just get a tiny taste of what we could have witnessed all season.
Every week, there are so many potential difference makers, but I’m gonna take our Linebackers. I don’t see us playing a ton of Nickel like we did in Denver last game, and with Hawthorne being back in the lineup, we may just get a tiny taste of what we could have witnessed all season.
It’s pretty simple here. In this desperation battle, the Saints HAVE to win. Now, before you doubt me, or say anything crazy. Just understand that we’re 2-5, i.e. the worst start in the Brees era. We’re not dead, and a loss wouldn’t eliminate us from the playoffs, however, as I’ve pointed out before….the teams in the hunt of the Wild Card have 4-3 or 4-4 records. This needs to be the game where they right the wrongs on defense, and make a stand. Those of you going to the game, you better have no voice when it’s all said and done. You know our boys need us, like they have always. Don’t disappoint. FAITH.
Final Prediction: Saints 28, Eagles 17
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