Who would've ever though the Eagles would lose to Dallas last Sunday night? Philly had everything in its favor: home field advantage ( they had lost their previous two home games); rest after a bye week, whereas the cowboys were playing off a short week, having playing on Monday night; a must-win for both teams, a game that would keep the Birds close to Washington in NFC East, a game which would all but bury Dallas in the standings. The Eagles just got new wide receiver golden Tate, which added to their offensive arsenal, whereas the Cowboys were struggling to score points and find weapons.
One of the reasons for the disappointing Dallas victory was turnovers. In nine games the Eagles' defense has only forced six turnovers. The offense also got off to another slow start. Despite the frenzied crowd the defense seemed deaf to the fan's cheers ( and boos) and couldn't stop Dallas on three key drives in the second half.
So the Eagles dropped to 4-5, two games behind the Redskins. Forget a wild card spot, especially after such a frustrating loss, the only way to reach the playoffs and defend your Super Bowl title is via the division. Even with the Dallas defeat Philadelphia still can win the division . But it becomes must harder now, where every game is like a playoff game.
Playing New Orleans in the Superdome is never easy. The red-hot Saints would love nothing more than to knock off the Super Bowl champs. They are 8-1 and not only focusing on winning NFC South, but also gearing for a playoff bye and home field advantage. Drew Brees, already the all-time leading quarterback in passing yards, is having an MVP-type season with only one interception. With all of the injuries in the Eagle secondary, it could get ugly on Sunday.
Within a week the Birds go from 7 1/2 point favorites over Dallas to 7 point underdogs vs New Orleans. Philly has had trouble scoring points, especially early in games, but I can see this game being a shoot-out. The Eagles certainly have the weapons to stay with the Saints. Can the defense stop Brees and company?
If the Cowboys could come into Lincoln Financial Field last week, overwhelming underdogs, hang in there early and pull off the upset when the Eagles' defense couldn't stop the surging Cowboys, why can't the defending champs do the same thing? Why can't we send a message to the league that we aren't dead yet?
The Birds could get massacred in New Orleans, but I'm thinking they keep it close somehow. Make it Saints 33 Eagles 24
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