Week 9 Wrap-up: Eagles 13, Saints 28

(Photo: Philadelphia Eagles)

Just when we thought things could not get any worse, they have. In a game that was supposed to be a huge turn around for the Eagles, Philadelphia fell to the Saints by the final score of 28-13.


The Eagles offense got off to a somewhat promising start as they controlled the first six minutes of the game, the most all season. Their opening drive would eventually result in a punt. The offense would go on to control most of the first quarter though only having three points to show for it.

The Eagles redzone offense had a terrible night. In five redzone trips, the Eagles settled for two Alex Henery field goals, a 98 yard Michael Vick interception to Patrick Robinson for a touchdown, a Brent Celek fumble, and a kneel-down to end the game.

To add to their struggles, the Eagles lost their only original offensive line starter left, Todd Herremans to an ankle injury early in the game. Herremans would not return and no word has been given on the seriousness of his injury.

Herremans’ injury only brought more pain to Vick and the offense. Vick was hit and sacked multiple times and was often rushed to get rid of the ball resulting in many ill-thrown balls. Michael Vick finished the game 22/41 with 242 yards, a touchdown, an interception, and was sacked seven times.

Perhaps the only light that shined from the offense was a 77 yard touchdown pass from Michael Vick to Desean Jackson. When the Eagles were able to establish run success, Lesean McCoy and Bryce Brown were able to combine for over 100 yards in just the first quarter.

Though the defense was able to hold the Saints threatening offense to just 21 points, it proved to be just too much to allow the team to win the game. The defense gave up damaging touchdowns to Chris Ivory, Jimmy Graham and Marques Colston.

The defense did have their share of success as well. They were able to cause two Drew Brees fumbles recovering one of them. As the game went on however, they were unable to contain Brees’ deadly passing attack moving the Saints down the field. Brees finished 21/27 with 239 yards, two touchdowns, and two fumbles.

The Eagles special teams also were able to get a fumble which set up one of their unsuccessful redzone trips. The special teams also came close to scoring a touchdown off a trick play after a Saints kickoff. They attempted to lateral the ball across the field however it ended up being a forward pass nullifying what would have been the Riley Cooper touchdown.

Next up, the Eagles will head into their next divisional match-up against the also 3-5 Dallas Cowboys who are coming off a loss to the Atlanta Falcons. If the Eagles want any playoff chances, they must come up with an answer to their struggles. Kickoff is scheduled for Sunday at 4:25 pm.