New Orleans Saints 2009 Game Preview: Week 2, Saints @ Eagles

The last game between these two teams (December 23, 2007) saw Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb light up the Saints secondary to the tune of 263 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Westbrook totaled 100 yards on the ground to help seal the Eagles victory over the Saints 23 – 38. Once again the Saints were left looking for defensive answers en-route to finishing a disappointing 7-9.

On a side note New Orleans swept the Eagles during the 2006 season, knocking them off in a NFC divisional playoff game. The playoff win secured the teams first appearance in an NFC championship game.

Next Meeting: Sunday, September 20th, 2009

Location: Lincoln Financial Field

Series Leader: The Eagles lead the all time regular season series between the two clubs 16-9.

Offensive Keys To Success: The normally potent Saint passing attack was derailed by Philly’s defense as Drew Brees was 30/45 passing for 289 yards, one interception, and no touchdowns. New Orleans has to do more than this in the next game –  better protection for Brees and shorter play action passes will be the key. The Saints must control the clock to keep the Eagle offense on the bench. Payton has to call more run plays to keep the defense guessing and they must convert on third down, something they could not do in the last meeting.

Defensive Keys To Success: McNabb, Westbrook, and Buckhalter made the Saints defense look silly. Philly totaled 447 yards of offense finding the endzone four times, three through the air and one on the ground. The Saints secondary must do a better job at keeping McNabb in check, they must apply more pressure up front as well if they expect to win. They have to shut down McNabb’s favorite target in DeSean Jackson and keep Westbrook in check on the ground. Westbrook ran for 100 yards on 17 carries the last game, an average of 5.8 a carry. It’s simple – shut down McNabb and Westbrook and you win the game.

Game Stats From Last Meeting: Stats

Prediction: If Gregg Williams new defense plays as advertised I expect the Saints to pull out a victory here, 28-17

Follow the New Orleans Saints through whodatdish.com at twitter.com/whodatdish.