For a second straight year the Saints will host a game in the divisional round of the NFC playoffs. They caged the Panthers for a 3rd time a year ago and will try to clip the Eagles' wings for a 2nd time this season. The first time Philly came to town as defending Super Bowl champs they got roughed up losing 48-7. But that was with Carson Wentz under center, now Nick Foles is the QB and has led Philly to 4 straight wins.
"The Eagles have a lot of confidence in Nick Foles," said WWL NFL analyst Mike Detillier. "He did it a year ago and look what he’s done so far this year.”
Foles has become Philadelphia's magic man after being the back-up in 2017, then came in for an injured Wentz to lead them to a Super Bowl victory against the Patriots. It's the other side of the ball where Philly has some issues.
“Defensively you can see the holes the Eagles have in the secondary where Mitchell Trubisky (Bears QB) lit them up for some time, so imagine what Brees will do," stated Detillier. "You look at the weaknesses they have in their secondary. That’s the type of team you point in their direction and say, 'yeah, I’ll take them on.'"
Detillier added, though, that the Eagles defense is still dangerous up front.
"The pass rush of the Eagles is pretty good. When you have Michael Bennet, Fletcher Cox, Timmy Jernigan, and Brando Graham...they are going to get some pressure on you. The health of the Saints O-line is going to be key in this game."
We will get the Black & Gold's first injury report of the week Wednesday. Tackles Terron Armstead and Jermon Bushrod sat out the finale with nagging injuries, while guard Andrus Peat left the game early with a hand issue. Also, tackle Ryan Ramczyk has been dealing with a shoulder ailment, while guard Larry Warford's left knee has bothered him.