Even though Riley Cooper is Nick Foles’ preferred target in the passing game, DeSean Jackson is also a threat for the Eagles. His athleticism allows him to make some incredible catches, and against a tough Saints’ secondary he will find ways to produce even with limited passes thrown his way.
Drew Brees has been heavily criticized for his struggles outside the Superdome, but he will be just fine in Philadelphia this upcoming Saturday. The Eagles have one of the worst defensive units in the NFL, and Brees should have plenty of chances to shine against a secondary that allowed the most passing yards during the regular season.
The Eagles have been one of the worst teams defending the tight ends this season, and based on that Jimmy Graham will have plenty of space to operate. Graham has been the best TE this season, and he will be Brees’ favorite offensive weapon in a key game.
The Saints haven’t been very good defending the run, and they will have their hands full against LeSean McCoy. McCoy led the NFL in rushing yards during the regular season, and the Saints – a below-average team against the run – will have lots of trouble trying to stop him.
Nick Foles was the biggest story during the regular season, but he’s yet to play a full campaign let alone a playoff game. He will have his hands full against the Saints, but it will be the perfect chance for him to show he belongs among the best signal callers in the league.
Darren Sproles hasn’t been known for putting huge total yards across a single season, but there’s little doubt that he is one of Brees’ preferred targets in the passing game. His ability to operate as a receiver and as a runner from the line of scrimmage has always been a key component of the Saints’ offense, and it will be no different in a game that could mean the end of the campaign for a team that’s expected to contend for the Super Bowl.
Both teams have very good offenses so this game should see a lot of scoring and be quite close at the same time. One of the best rushing attacks will match up with one of the best passing games and two of the best quarterbacks this year will also feature so the expectation is that the game will be quite interesting. There will be plenty of points on the board and neither side will truly dominate the other scoring-wise.
The Eagles' defensive unit has improved a lot in recent weeks, but the team is not yet where they want to be. Against a top offense like the one led by Drew Brees the Eagles will be on their heels constantly, and there’s a huge chance they will run out of gas in the latter stages of the contest.
Drew Brees is an elite quarterback, and he will show it against the Eagles. If the game remains close until the dying minutes, expect Brees to lead the Saints in a late-winning drive that could push them over the top.
Counting experience, overall talent on both sides of the ball and the way both teams come to the game, the Saints will end up with the win. The Saints are a well-oiled offense that is able to match up with the best of them in the NFL, and if their defense can produce it will be enough to get them to the next round of the postseason.
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