The New Orleans Saints defense, a unit that has been met with mountains of scorn and criticism this season, will look to rebound this week against the Philadelphia Eagles, a team that is at a crossroads offensively. For the third time this season, the Saints’ defense will face a dual-threat at quarterback, as they will look to contain the electric Michael Vick. In order for the Saints to get back in the win column, a decent defensive showing will be required.
PASS DEFENSE
The Eagles are averaging 245.7 yards per game through the air, ranking 13th league wide. Even with a decent yardage per game mark, the passing game has come under attack from both fans and media alike, questioning the long-term viability of Michael Vick at quarterback. Some have suggested that Vick be replaced by rookie Nick Foles, a move head coach Andy Reid is hesitant to make, as the team clearly needs to win now.
Vick’s statistical output this season is a far cry from the 2010 renaissance fans were treated to. So far, he has thrown for only 9 touchdowns and has also turned the ball over on 8 interceptions. The big, downfield play, a staple in this offense, has been missing. WRs DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin have been widely inconsistent. TE Brent Celek, who was considered a top 5 tight end a few years ago, is less of a threat. RB LeSean McCoy is a pass catching weapon out of the backfield, but hasn’t nearly been as impactful.
Nonetheless, tonight’s game presents a perfect stage for the Philadelphia passing game to get back on track. The Saints’ pass defense enters tonight’s game wounded and unsure of itself. The team is still searching for some sort of defensive identity, something that has been missing since Week 1.
For the Saints’ defense, eliminating the big play will be key for victory. The indoor environment sets up perfectly for the Eagles’ speed receivers to get downfield. Look for the offense to try to get the big play in early in order to neutralize what should be a loud Monday night crowd. Making sure that the secondary remains in front of Jackson and Maclin should be a huge point of emphasis for the New Orleans defense.
Secondly, pressure on Vick from the outside should be applied. A steady rotation of edge rushers on passing downs will keep the Eagle quarterback in the pocket and out of open space, where he is extremely dangerous. Properly tackling Vick with consistency will eliminate the frustratingly large amount yards after contact that New Orleans has allowed to the opposition this season.
RUN DEFENSE
The Eagles boast a two headed monster in the backfield with Michael Vick and LeSean McCoy. Both players are averaging 4 yards per carry or above, and can both change the dynamic of a game in a single possession. Vick and McCoy both possess world-class speed, making it very difficult for opposing defenses. The Eagles average 117.7 yards per game this season (11th in the NFL), but that figure would be higher if Philadelphia would make McCoy the focal point of the offense.
In order for the Saints to contain this rushing attack, a few key points of emphasis need to be addressed. First, the missed tackle conundrum needs to cease. Missed tackles have hurt this defense tremendously this season, allowing what should be short gains to turn into huge, game changing carries. Wrapping up McCoy will not only limit his ability to have a big game, but it will force the offense to revert back to a pass-heavy philosophy. This will pay tremendous dividends regarding time of possession and overall team morale for New Orleans. Do you really want Michael Vick throwing the ball 60 times tonight if you are an Eagle fan?
Secondly, defensive line play needs to improve drastically. Opposing offensive lines have had their way with the Saints’ defensive front, making it difficult for the linebackers to get to the ballcarrier. Jonathan Vilma and Curtis Lofton should have big games if the line can control gaps and running lanes, as well as establishing the line of scrimmage. Philadelphia will try to run outside, taking advantage of McCoy’s sheer speed. It will be important for the defensive ends to peel off and help with run defense. Cameron Jordan has come a very long way this season – expect at least one big tackle from him tonight.
Lastly, the Saints will need to attack the ball whenever Vick decides to run. Vick has had trouble with fumbles this season, and the New Orleans defense should take notice. Stripping the ball will be huge in winning the turnover battle, thus giving Drew Brees and the Saints‘ offense an extra possession or two, which might come in handy when all is said and done.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
CBs Jabari Greer and Patrick Robinson
Greer and Robinson will have the task of covering the speedy DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin for the entire evening. Both Jackson and Maclin have the ability to score whenever either one touches the ball, and keeping them contained will be one of the most important aspects of the entire game. Robinson has had a bit of trouble this season, and his performance tonight may factor heavily on the game’s outcome.
DE Martez Wilson
Wilson has seen most of his time this season as a situational pass rusher, rotating in on 3rd and long calls. He will have a huge task coming around on Vick’s blind side as a left defensive end (Vick is left handed). Wilson’s speed off of the edge makes this matchup particularly interesting; he is one of the few linemen/linebackers, in my opinion, that can run down Vick from behind. Look for Wilson on 3rd down and on obvious passing situations.
S Roman Harper
Harper remains somewhat of a liability in pass coverage, and the defensive coaching staff, to their credit, has made adjustments to counteract the discrepancy. He now sees time as a linebacker when the offense is in a run formation, and this has worked with moderate success. This week, Harper will need to bring his A game, as he will face not only LeSean McCoy, but also the aforementioned Vick and TE Celek. Harper will need to be able to adjust quickly and cover/defend the correct player given the situation. Keeping all offensive weapons in check will be tough for the Saints‘ safety, but he certainly has the skill set and potential to do so.
PREDICTION
Is this Michael Vick’s swan song? It does seem somewhat appropriate, given his connection to the Eagles’ past two opponents (Atlanta and New Orleans). This is an absolute must win for both teams; the winner stays (somewhat) alive in the NFC wild card hunt, while the loser will most likely be too far deep in the standings to make a late push.
Tonight’s game will come down to quarterback pressure and turnovers. If the Saints’ defense can get pressure on Michael Vick and force a few interceptions and/or fumbles, New Orleans should be in a position to win. Then again, the defense has been anything but opportunistic this season.
Nonetheless, I remain faithful. A hostile Superdome crowd, a hungry team desperate to showcase itself after last week’s embarrassing loss, and a vintage Drew Brees performance against the Philadelphia secondary will lead to a New Orleans victory.
Saints 37
Eagles 31
