PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The Eagles defeated the Saints, 15-12, in New Orleans on Sunday, improving their record to 2-1. The win was crucial after a loss to the Falcons the prior week.
The big difference Sunday was a standout defensive performance led by Jalen Carter and Reed Blankenship, says Voice of the Eagles Merrill Reese.
"The defense was absolutely tremendous against the highest scoring team in the National Football League," he told KYW Newsradio's Dave Uram on Monday.
"The Eagles took everything out of (running back) Alvin Kamara, who had been spectacular in the Saints' first two games. And when they did that, they were able to put a lot of pressure on (quarterback) Derek Carr."
A resilient offense faced challenges, with injuries to key players like A.J. Brown and Lane Johnson, but Dallas Goedert stepped up. And Saquon Barkley scored two touchdowns, including the 65-yard run that got them going, and a score from the five yard line to give them the lead.
Resse also highlighted the Eagles' aggressive playcalling. "[Nick Sirianni] is more prone to go for something, to keep a drive going, to go for a touchdown," Reese said. "You're not going to change Nick from being an aggressive coach. And many, many times that pays off."