Eagles-Saints: Here’s what you need to know
The Philadelphia Eagles play the New Orleans Saints today in the Mercedez-Benz Superdome in what amounts to the second round of the National Football Conference playoffs. Technically, the NFL calls it the divisional round, but for the game-watch party, all you need to know is it’s the Eagles’ second playoff game.
What else do you need to know, assuming you weren’t paying attention as the Eagles try to repeat as Super Bowl champions? You do remember that, don’t you?
Who is the Eagles quarterback? Nick Foles, who took over for Carson Wentz late last season and led the Eagles to the Super Bowl win, is back. Wentz got hurt again, this time a stress fracture in his back, and Foles has led the Birds to four straight wins, including last week’s 16-15 first-round victory in Chicago. Who plays quarterback for the Saints?
You may not want to know. Drew Brees is a leading candidate for the NFL Most Valuable Player award and a virtual lock for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He has thrown 32 touchdown passes and just five interceptions this season.
Have these two teams played this season?
Don’t ask. The Saints routed the
Eagles 48-7 less than two months ago in the Superdome.
So, do the Eagles have a chance?
Surprisingly, yes. The Birds are eight-point underdogs, but Eagles fans, and more importantly, the players, believe in Foles, who has played so well that some fans want him to return next season instead of Wentz. Most prognosticators are picking the Saints, but the Eagles defense has improved since November and Foles seems to have the magic touch.
How do you watch the game? FOX is televising the game. If you want to listen on the radio, Merrill Reese and Mike Quick have the call on FM WIP-94.1.