If the Dallas victory was indicative of how the New Orleans Saints (2-0) would respond after having overwhelmed Carolina the prior week, then there shouldn't be concern about whether they'll be ready Sunday against the Eagles (1-1) in the Caesars Superdome.
That doesn't guarantee a win, but here are a few things that might help in that regard:
1. MINIMIZE THE HURTS
Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts had a ton of success in two previous starts, both wins, against the Saints (30 of 54 for 314 yards and a touchdown passing, 175 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 36 carries). Like every Eagles opponent, New Orleans would rather have him in the pocket as a passer than involved in the run game as a designed runner or an evade-pressure scrambler. He's dangerous when he breaks contain and if he's having success, it'll be doubly difficult to deal with running back Saquon Barkley. If Hurts is spied, the assignment could belong to linebacker Willie Gay but it'll be imperative for the defensive line to maintain integrity to hopefully hem in Hurts.
2. A GRAND CHASE
Hemming in Hurts is one thing, getting him on the ground is another. New Orleans has a couple of hounds in defensive ends Carl Granderson and Chase Young, and they'll lead the harassment of Hurts in the pocket while he's there. Two combined sacks don't quite quantify the impact they've had in the first two games; they'll need to bring the heat again against Philly.
3. RUN ALONG
No way the Saints can keep up their offensive pace, right? Well, maybe they can because if they continue to run the ball as well as they did in the first two games (185 yards and three touchdowns per game on 4.9 yards per carry), anything is possible. And the Eagles – allowing 157.5 rushing yards per game – were accommodating to the run in the first two games. Alvin Kamara (198 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 35 carries, and 92 receiving yards and a touchdown on seven catches) is off to his best start in the NFL. New Orleans would love to see him continue the pace, and Jamaal Williams offers the counter as a bruiser. If Taysom Hill (chest) can't play, it'll increase the workload of Kamara and Williams.
4. FUN CARR
Quarterback Derek Carr is enjoying the Saints’ new offense, and it shows. He has completed 77 percent of his passes for 443 yards and five touchdowns, with an interception, and the decision-making has been superb (his interception was an off throw, to an open target). The challenge likely will ramp up on Sunday, because the Eagles' secondary can be stout, but New Orleans has done a superb job of spreading the wealth among receivers. Eight players have combined for Carr's 30 completions, and Rashid Shaheed (seven catches, 169 yards, two touchdowns) was a tormentor in the first two games. The offensive line has held up (Carr has been sacked twice) better than most would have dared imagine, and the Saints appear as if they can meat-and-potatoes or chunk-play opponents.
5. FAN THE FLAME
Saints fans have been waiting for this moment. It's early, but the team has shown an exciting style of play and a rock-solid defense. Jumping to an early lead always is optimal, but maybe even more so on Sunday because the adrenaline boost provided by the faithful might be enough to turn a close game into a lopsided one. Feed the hungry fans early, and enjoy the benefits.
Little Caesars® is always the winning play on Saints gameday! Download the app and participate in the Pizza!Pizza! Pregame Challenge to earn rewards on NFL gamedays.
