Further Preview: Inside the Eagles-Saints
A tall task for a beaten-down and unimpressive line, but if they give Michael Vick time in the pocket and a few holes for LeSean McCoy, they can take advantage of the worst defense in the league, which is giving up 474.7 yards per game.
GAME 8: EAGLES (3-4) at NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (2-5)
Superdome, New Orleans, Monday, 8:30 p.m.
TV: ESPN
Radio: WIP (94.1-FM, 610-AM); WTTM (1680 Spanish)
Weather: Indoor stadium
Injury report: Page 34
Game line: Saints -3
Over/Under: 52.5
Three Keys to an Eagles win
1. Protection: A tall task for a beaten-down and unimpressive line, but if they give Michael Vick time in the pocket and a few holes for LeSean McCoy, they can take advantage of the worst defense in the league, which is giving up 474.7 yards per game.
2. Secondary play: After an abysmal week for the cornerbacks, they go up against one of the best in Drew Brees. It's almost assured they won't completely stop him, but if they limit him to two passing touchdowns, that should put the offense in a good position.
3. Force third downs: Last week against the Denver Broncos, the Saints went 1-12 on third-down conversions. The Eagles have trouble keeping teams in check on third down (Falcons were 7-for-13), but New Orleans is a team that struggles converting just as much as the Eagles have trouble stopping.
Spotlight on ... Jason Avant
Position: Wide receiver
Height/Weight: 6 feet / 212
Age: 29
Birthdate: April 20, 1983
Hometown: Chicago
College: Michigan
Acquired: Fourth-round pick of the Eagles in the 2006 draft (109th overall)
Stats vs. the Falcons: four receptions on seven targets for 45 yards
Career: In 7 years, Avant has totaled more than 2,700 yards with 10 touchdowns. Throughout his career, he has averaged 12.3 yards per reception, with his longest being 58 yards.
Did you know? Avant is the highest scoring member of the Eagles' offseason basketball team.
WHO'S HOT
DeMeco Ryans: He seems to be the only consistent defensive player. The middle linebacker racked up nine tackles, two for a loss.
Cedric Thornton: The defensive tackle finally ended the d-line's sackless streak when he took down Matt Ryan in the third quarter for a loss of 5 yards, which led to a Falcons punt.
WHO'S NOT
Nnamdi Asomugha: The Eagles' biggest free-agent acquisition from 2011 simply is not the same player who dominated in Oakland. Falcons receiver Julio Jones burned Asomugha on his 63-yard touchdown.
Defensive discipline: The defense gave up four first downs by way of penalties and the Falcons took advantage of the free plays to put the Eagles behind early.
OBSCURE FACT: The last time the Eagles won in the Superdome was Dec. 23, 2007. Brian Westbrook rushed for 100 yards and Donovan McNabb threw for 263 yards and three touchdowns.