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The Eagles are the NFC East champions and will look to continue their epic turnaround against the Saints in the wild card round of the playoffs. Philadelphia finished the season with a 7-1 eight-game stretch and went did not lose a game at home during that span. However, the Saints will be a terrific challenge for an Eagles team that continues to prove they belong as a contender in the league.
The Saints have been rough on the road this season (3-5), but are still among the best offensive teams in the league. The connection between quarterback Drew Brees and tight end Jimmy Graham is among the best in the league and head coach Sean Payton will likely dial up a lot of plays using that duo. The Saints are also significantly improved on defense, as Rob Ryan's 3-4 unit is one of the best groups in the league (4th in total yardage).
The Eagles will likely use LeSean McCoy early and often, as the Saints do have weaknesses in the run game. Foles will also be counted on to continue his special play from the regular season. Both players will have to look out from Pro Bowl defensive end Cam Jordan, who has been tremendous this season. On defense, the key will be stopping Brees, Graham and the Saints group of play-makers.
When and Where to Watch
Saturday, 8:10 p.m. ET,
Channel: NBC
Streaming
Sirius 86 (Internet 823)
History Lesson
The Eagles are 16-12 against the Saints all-time.
Philadelphia is 8-3 against the Saints at home in their all-time series.
The Saints and Eagles are tied at 1-1 in playoff matchups.
The Saints have won the last two meetings.
Opponents View
Check out Canal Street Chronicles for the Saints' perspective on Saturday's game.
Fun Facts
- The Eagles were first the NFL in rushing yards per game (160.4 per game), rushing yards per attempt (5.13 per play), plays of 20+ yards (99 total), passing plays of 20+ yards (80 total), touchdowns of 20+ yards (21 total), first-down yards per play (6.83 per play), yards per play (6.33 per play) and passing yards per play (8.09 per play).
- The Eagles offense is one of only four teams in NFL history to post 400 or more yards in 12 games in a season.
- The Eagles set the NFL record for plays of 20 or more yards this season (99).
- Cornerback Brandon Boykin finished tied for second in the league in interceptions (6) with Giants safety Antrel Rolle and Lions linebacker DeAndre Levy. Only Seattle's Richard Sherman had more with eight picks.
- Saints head coach Sean Payton started his NFL coaching career as an Eagles quarterbacks coach from 1997-98.
- Saints defensive coordinator Rob Ryan is the son of former Eagles head coach Buddy Ryan. This is Ryan's first playoff appearance as a defensive coordinator, after serving the same position in Oakland, Cleveland and Dallas from 2004-2012.
- Saints running back Mark Ingram Jr. is the son of former Eagles wide receiver Mark Ingram Sr. The elder Ingram played for the Eagles during the 1996 season and recorded two receptions for 33 yards in five games.
Former Eagles on the Other Sideline
- NT Brodrick Bunkley (2006-2010)
- FB Jed Collins (2008 preseason and practice squad)
Follow Bleeding Green Nation for updates throughout Saturday's game. We will have your updates on injuries, scores and more. You can follow Brandon Lee Gowton on Twitter at @BrandonGowton and Mike Kaye at @mike_e_kaye.
Podcast Preview:
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