This is definitely a challenge. The Eagles are traveling for their first “away game” of the season, visiting the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, a stadium they haven’t won in since the 2007 season. That was 17 seasons ago (0-3 since then, including the playoffs) and none of that matters at all.
This is a new team that suffered a tough loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Monday night, so the combination of a short week, a heartbreaking loss, and the fact that the opponent is the red-hot New Orleans Saints (2-0) gives this game a special urgency.
It’s only Week 3, of course, and a win changes everything as teams across the NFL continue to try to figure out who they are and what works for them. With that in mind, here are some storylines for this game: Eagles at Saints, Sunday at 1 p.m.
- What can the offense do to take the next step?
Against a good New Orleans defense that has been overshadowed by their productive offense over the past two weeks, the Eagles have their work cut out for them. They’ve been practicing with noise all week to prepare for the hostile environment, and they’ve also been working without wide receiver AJ Brown. The Eagles want to become more explosive, and offensive coordinator Kellen Moore believes he has the right personnel to do it.
“I think we still have guys that can break away and add some vertical components to our offense. That’s obviously something we have to look at to continue to find those opportunities,” he said. “I think the NFL right now is all about finding explosive plays. I think the numbers are all down. We’re trying to find them. The defenses are doing an excellent job and we just have to keep finding them, not just on third down but on first and second down.”
The Saints are aggressive and have a strong front seven, led by end Cameron Jordan. This isn’t going to be a walk in the park.
- Keep an eye on the turnover rate
That’s always an important stat, and it will be the same on Sunday. New Orleans has a +3 turnover ratio and the Eagles have a -3, so that’s clearly important. The Eagles need to take the football away from an outstanding offense, and that brings us to Vic Fangio’s defense…
- Is New Orleans really that good on offense?
Obviously yes. They scored on their first 15 offensive drives of the season. They have a game-winning wide receiver in Rashid Shaheed and one of the most versatile backs in the game in Alvin Kamara. Quarterback Derek Carr is off to a strong start. The offensive line is big, strong, athletic and has sent the defenders down the field.
The defense is still finding its feet and faces its toughest task of the season so far, and the plan New Orleans has for Carr seems to fit his skill set very well.
“I think this offense really suits him,” Fangio said. “He’s always been one of the most talented passers in the league. He throws the ball very, very well short, medium and long distances. Throws a great deep ball. They protect him very strongly and give him time. They’re running players. They got the running game going.”
“I think this offense and him fit together really well.”
Making matters worse for the Eagles is the uncertain health of safety CJ Gardner-Johnson, who suffered a foot injury at the end of the week and whose participation in this game is questionable.
