I had the Eagles over the bears last Sunday. Experience won the day. Sure, the Birds got lucky when the Duke of Doink, Cody Parke, blew a 43-yard field goal.
Sunday's game in New Orleans could be the toughest test on the road to repeating in Atlanta. Winning in Los Angeles or Dallas next week in the NFC Championship Game seems more doable than a victory in the Superdome.
The Saints are up to 10 point favorites. They are tough to beat at home, and haven't lost a home playoff game since Eagle coach Rich Kotite won in the early 90s.
The Eagles remember New Orleans running up the score in their 48-7 loss earlier in the season. Nick Foles is clutch and the defense is better. The Saints may be a bit rusty starting the game. QB Drew Brees hasn't played in three weeks. Rest is one thing; rustiness is another.
Other than the usual keys of limiting turnovers and penalties, a huge point will be putting pressure on Brees. Defensive Coordinator Schwartz can't lay back and allow Brees to stay in the pocket and pick his secondary apart. Schwartz needs to send the blitz a little more often to keep Brees honest.
Will Philly wear white? With Foles starting at quarterback and the team wearing all-white, their record is 11-3. Any edge helps.
Nice to go to places like the mall or the supermarket and strangers- football fans or casual followers- are saying "Go Birds!" or making party plans for Sunday afternoon. It's like reliving last season's magnificent run to the Super Bowl. it's fun and it's once again bringing the community together. Will it go on another week?
The Eagles need to get off to a fast start and make the Saints play from behind. Even behind, Brees has the weapons to catch-up. I have faith in the great Ray Didinger. When he picks the Saints to win, I pay attention.
But I can't go against St. Nick. Vegas is again getting burned by the Eagles. Somehow, someway the Birds will win. It's like they have regained their hunger again, and this playoff run- playing an extra game while on the road every week- would be an even more improbable run.
New Orleans, after getting dumped from the post-season last season with a miracle Minnesota win, wants to atone. They never expected the Eagles to be in The Big Easy this week. They were looking for revenge form the Vikings. Saints head coach Sean Peyton brought a Lombardi Trophy and cash to practice this week in order to motivate his team.
Maybe it's from the heart and not the head, but here's my prediction:
Eagles 34 Saints 31
Either way, it should much closer than a 41-point blow-out. The Eagles need to control the ball and keep the ball away from Brees They need to stay aggressive and take wise chances. They also need more luck, like in Chicago. We will know, around 8:00 Sunday night, if this another season of destiny.
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