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New Orleans Saints at Philadelphia Eagles Odds

Written September 18, 2009 by Rock Henderson

After the Saints played their fifth exhibition game against the Detroit Lions in Week 1, the regular season really gets under way when they travel to Philadelphia to take on the Eagles. The main storyline for this game involves the rib injury QB Donovan McNabb suffered in the third quarter against Carolina on a short touchdown run. McNabb is listed as a game time decision and has not practiced all week. If he is unable to go, Kevin Kolb will get the start over Jeff Garcia. There is not question about New Orleans QB situation as Drew Brees is completely healthy and putting up huge numbers again this year. The Saints opened as a 1.5 favorite on the road due to the major injury to McNabb, but head coach Andy Reid has not ruled the Eagles QB out for Sunday’s game and the line has moved back to a pick em’

Sean Payton’s squad has always been known for its high powered aerial assault but it was the ground game making some noise in the opener against the Detroit Lions. Free agent acquisition RB Mike Bell carried the ball 28 times for a career high 143 yards. Brees took over in the red zone tossing six touchdown passes including two scores to rejuvenated TE Jeremy Shockey. His 358 passing yards tied a New Orleans record that had been standing for 40 years. The Saint defense held the Lions to 231 total yards of offense and intercepted rookie QB Matthew Stafford three times. The special teams play by the Saints was sloppy and will be an area of emphasis leading up to the game with Philadelphia who possess one of the more electrifying return men in DeSean Jackson. A much stiffer test awaits in Philadelphia as their offense has the capability to match New Orleans point for point.

No team was more impressive than the Eagles in Week 1 as they proved why many so-called experts have them representing the NFC in the Super Bowl come February. Both sides of the ball contributed to a 38-10 lashing of the Carolina Panthers. The Eagle defense harassed Carolina QB Jake Delhomme forcing him into four interceptions and caused a fumble that was returned for a touchdown. Philadelphia found a way to score in every facet of the game as DeSean Jackson returned a punt 85 yards for a score. Veteran QB Jeff Garcia was signed for insurance in case McNabb cannot go, but the Eagles will stick with Kevin Kolb at backup even though he has struggled to translate his game to the NFL.

If the Eagles defense can disrupt the timing passing game of New Orleans and hits Drew Brees as much as they hit Jake Delhomme then it will be difficult for the Saints to come out with a key road victory. I would wait for McNabb’s status to be released an hour or two before game time before a decision is made on who to play in this game. The number shouldn’t get above 3 either way, so wait it out and play Philly if McNabb is available.

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