The Eagles will be playing a pretty important game against the New Orleans Saints later today. The talk of playoffs has risen from beneath the surface and now it’s looking like a realistic possibility. They first have to take down the NFL’s number one run defense and legendary coach to begin that run. The pressure is on, especially since the game is at home and the Eagles are yet to win a home game this season.
So let’s look at the players that can be huge game changers for the Eagles this Sunday:
Quez Watkins
Quez was all the hype this offseason. The talk about his growth and his ability to take the top off of defenses was creating new hope for this young Eagle’s offense. He’s had his moments this season but he has yet to have that signature game.
The speed of Quez Watkins could be huge against a defense that’s been pretty stingy this season. The Saints have only allowed a completion percentage of 64% against them and have forced 11 turnovers against opponents. If the Eagles want to get DeVonta Smith and Dallas Goedert going then Quez’s speed is going to have to play a factor.
Miles Sanders
The Saints run defense has only allowed 72 rushing yards per game and 3.1 yards per carry this season but a similar tone was set last season before the Eagles marched down to New Orleans and stole a win on the road. Miles Sanders helped snap a 55 game streak of the last time that the Saints allowed a player to rush for over 100 yards.
The Eagles run game has been on a tear for the last three weeks but they’ve missed the ability of the home run plays that Sanders has grown accustomed to having. The last time the Eagles faced the Saints, Sanders broke out for an 82 yard rushing touchdown. He finished the game with 115 rushing yards and two touchdowns. If the Eagles are to win this Sunday then Miles Sanders has to be the big home run threat that we know he can be.
The Defensive Line
The Saints will be without Alvin Kamara, Terron Armstead, and Ryan Ramczyk. That’s their main running back and two offensive tackles. This means that it’s time to feast for Fletcher Cox and company. This isn’t the game where Gannon should be timid. This defense needs to play physical and aggressive if the Eagles are to pull out a win.
The Saints will have a shaky offensive line protecting Trevor Siemian on Sunday. Siemian has yet to have a game where he’s finished with a completion percentage over 60%. Also, the two games, this season where he’s had to pass for over 240 yards has resulted in a loss. The one time where he passed for less than 200 yards, the Saints have one. He’s also been sacked 6 times over the last three games but has yet to throw an interception.
Photo Credit: Alex McIntyre
