Vin+ 3,121 Posted November 2, 2012 (edited) The Philadelphia Eagles have a quarterback and a coach both likely playing for their jobs. The New Orleans Saints are off to their worst start in the Drew Brees era following the best regular season in franchise history. Arguably the league's two most desperate teams entering Week 9, either the Eagles or the Saints will be in even worse shape after Monday night's game in New Orleans. Philadelphia coach Andy Reid said Wednesday that Michael Vick will remain the team's starting quarterback, even after he struggled again last Sunday in a 30-17 home loss to Atlanta. The four-time Pro Bowler was held under 200 yards passing for the second time in three games, throwing for 191 despite 35 attempts. While Vick didn't turn the ball over, his 13 giveaways are still the league's third-most. "I think there's a lot of things that I can do better," he said. "I'm trying to do everything that I can to put the ball in the end zone to give my guys every opportunity." Vick's 78.6 passer rating is his lowest since joining Philadelphia (3-4), though a battered offensive line isn't helping his cause. Pro Bowl left tackle Jason Peters and center Jason Kelce are out for the season, and opponents have attacked the Eagles accordingly. Teams have blitzed Vick 99 times on passing plays this season, fourth-most against any quarterback. He has been sacked 20 times in seven games after being sacked 23 times in 13 games last season. "I just don't think he's as comfortable as he usually is," receiver DeSean Jackson told the team's official website. "A lot of pressure is getting in his face. A lot of defenses are showing different looks and things like that. With the quarterback that has the skill that he's able to make big plays with his legs and his arms at the same time, I think a lot of teams are just trying to shoot at him, and just come any way possible and just give him less time." It has been rumored Reid's job also could be at stake, with the Eagles having lost three straight and coming off a season in which the team failed to make the playoffs. He recently fired defensive coordinator Juan Castillo, but Reid's offense has been having just as many problems. Philadelphia's 17.1 points per game are tied for 28th in the NFL, but the struggling Saints - perhaps with even more holes to fix - could provide a temporary cure for the Eagles' woes. New Orleans (2-5) has thus far fielded one of the worst defenses in league history en route to its worst start 2005, the year before Brees came on board. A 34-14 loss at Denver last Sunday was the Saints' most lopsided defeat in four seasons, and they became the first team to allow 400-plus yards in seven consecutive games since 1950. "I've got to do a better job of preparing our football team," interim coach Joe Vitt said after the loss to Denver, his first game after a seven-game suspension for his role in the Saints' bounty program. "I've got to do a better job of getting the team ready physically, mentally and emotionally." The Saints rank 30th in points allowed (30.9) and are allowing an NFL-worst 474.7 yards per game, more than 100 worse than last season's team which went 13-3. They showed no improvement last Sunday, allowing a season-high 530 yards. "On defense it starts with me," first-year defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo said. "Somehow, some way, I have to get better with my job. I hope everyone else does the same thing. When you add it all up, everybody gets better and the whole defense gets better." New Orleans' offense also looked uncharacteristically average against Denver, netting a season-low 252 yards. The league's worst rushing attack generated only 51 yards and the Saints converted 1 of 12 third downs. Brees leads the NFL at 330.0 passing yards per game but tallied 213, his lowest total since having 196 against Tampa Bay on Jan. 2, 2011. He's also completing only 59.7 percent of his passes, his worst rate since 2003. Brees figures to have plenty of time to operate against a Philadelphia defense which has nine sacks, second-fewest in the NFL. That unit didn't show much improvement last Sunday in its first game since secondary coach Pat Bowles replaced Castillo. The Eagles surrendered a season-high 146 rushing yards and allowed scores on the Falcons' first six possessions. "You don't go from the outhouse to the penthouse in one week," Bowles said. "Right now, we're in the damn outhouse." Jackson and Eagles running back LeSean McCoy should enjoy playing at New Orleans, as both have fared well in dome games. Jackson has averaged 100.6 receiving yards in seven career indoor games, while McCoy has averaged 104.2 yards rushing in five such games since 2010. New Orleans has won three of the teams' last four meetings including playoffs, most recently winning 48-22 in 2009. Copyright 2012 by STATS LLC and The Associated Press. Edited November 8, 2012 by Vin Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BigBen07 285 Posted November 3, 2012 I can't believe this is on MNF... Give me the Saints at home in a shootout. 38 28 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dutch 874 Posted November 4, 2012 You can call me a homer but I haven't picked against my team all year so far regardless of the times my gut told me too. Not going to start now. My team is in desperation mode right now and no one more then Vick atm. This game will show if he's serious or not. Yes, it's against the worse defense in the league but it starts here seeing as though it's most likely his last chance. I'm eager to see if he will pull it off. In a situation like this, I can't help but root for my team regardless of how dim our light is atm. 33 31 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Favre4Ever+ 4,476 Posted November 4, 2012 Saints are awful, Eagles have potential but are just playing awful. Andy Reid keeps sticking behind his guy (Vick) and eventually that trust has to pay off... Doesn't it? The Saints defense is pretty horrid, so this could prove to be a big launching pad for Vick. Time to step up or step aside. Eagles - 31 Saints - 27 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
housemd 338 Posted November 4, 2012 You can call me a homer but I haven't picked against my team all year so far regardless of the times my gut told me too. Not going to start now. Same here..I've never picked against Steelers and I'm not going to start this week.. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dutch 874 Posted November 4, 2012 Same here..I've never picked against Steelers and I'm not going to start this week.. Die hard fans I guess. :beerchug: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AllYouNeedIsLovie 377 Posted November 4, 2012 Both teams are pretty bad. I think this one will be a shootout that the Saints will win. New Orleans is tough to beat in the dome. Hope I'm wrong though. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KiLaSix9+ 398 Posted November 5, 2012 This is Vick's saving grace. He is going up against one of the worst defenses I've seen in years. McCoy and Vick have no reason to play lights out at score over 30+. Vick saves his starting job and Reid's hot seat cools off a little. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bay 2,003 Posted November 5, 2012 Saints defense is hilarious. Would love to see Philly annihilate. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Franchise 5 1 Posted November 5, 2012 Down by like 3 points in fantasy, and I have the Eagles kicker. All I need is a couple points , and hopefully the Eagles can win. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AllYouNeedIsLovie 377 Posted November 5, 2012 38 34 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vin+ 3,121 Posted November 6, 2012 Eagles FS Nate Allen (hamstring) is inactive for Monday night's game against the Saints. Allen didn't practice on Friday or Saturday and was a true game-time decision. Trainers kept a close eye on him during pregame warm-ups but ended up not giving Allen the green light. David Sims will start at free safety. The Eagles also declared DE Darryl Tapp, DE Vinny Curry, WR Mardy Gilyard, RG Danny Watkins, OL Nate Menkin, and QB Trent Edwards inactive. Tapp's wife is having a baby, so DT Mike Patterson will take his place along the defensive line. Dennis Kelly will start at right guard in place of Watkins. Saints declared RB Darren Sproles, WR Courtney Roby, DE Turk McBride, WLB David Hawthorne, CB Elbert Mack, DT Tyrunn Wlaker, and OT Bryce Harris inactive for Monday night's game against the Eagles. Sproles is out with a broken hand, but he very well could be back for next week's game against the Falcons. Travaris Cadet and Chris Ivory are both active, and Cadet is expected to help replace Sproles in the return game. Roby has a shoulder injury, and Hawthorne is still out with a hamstring. Jonathan Vilma will start at weakside 'backer. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SteVo+ 3,702 Posted November 6, 2012 (edited) As KiLa alluded to, this game has to be a turning point for our offense. Up against one of the thinnest secondaries in the game, we need to score with efficiency and frequency. Do it live, Eagles. 34 31 Edited November 6, 2012 by SteVo Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bay 2,003 Posted November 6, 2012 30 27 Picked the Saints but now I think the Eagles are going to win. So now the Saints are going to win. ^ New :wacko: suggestion 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AllYouNeedIsLovie 377 Posted November 6, 2012 lolMichaelVick. Throws a pick 6 inside the Saints 10. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dutch 874 Posted November 6, 2012 lolMichaelVick. Throws a pick 6 inside the Saints 10. Vick throws an easy completion that hits our TE right on the gloves and he drops it to be picked off for a TD lol Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Thanatos 2,847 Posted November 6, 2012 Vick throws an easy completion that hits our TE right on the gloves and he drops it to be picked off for a TD lol That wasn't an easy completion lol. It hit him in in one hand. Would have been a fantastic catch. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dutch 874 Posted November 6, 2012 That wasn't an easy completion lol. It hit him in in one hand. Would have been a fantastic catch. Ah okay, thought I saw it hit him in both hands. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AllYouNeedIsLovie 377 Posted November 6, 2012 Touchdown Chris Ivory. 14-3 Saints Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KiLaSix9+ 398 Posted November 6, 2012 Saints ride this victory into next week and hand Falcons first loss. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SteVo+ 3,702 Posted November 6, 2012 Well, that sucked. Overall, I was happy with our defense. They played Drew Brees in the Superdome and only gave up 21 points. I'll take that every time. The offense, on the other hand, is awful. Absolutely awful. We need a total overhaul. Honestly, the Eagles could use an upgrade at literally every offensive position outside of running back. It doesn't help that our offensive line is so banged up, but a competent offensive coordinator would be able to adjust. Fire Andy, keep Bowles, hire an offensive-minded head coach. (Jay Gruden plz.) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Glanvilles Grits 142 Posted November 6, 2012 Juan Castillo was sitting on his couch laughing for this game. The Eagles defense has looked even more terrible the past few weeks than it did when he was there. The Eagles need to make changes big time. Whether it's at quarterback, or something on defense. Something needs to change so they can get their edge back. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Glanvilles Grits 142 Posted November 6, 2012 Saints ride this victory into next week and hand Falcons first loss. Wouldn't surprise me. No matter how terrible the Saints are, they always give the Falcons a run for their money. I swear they have one of the most heated rivalries in recent days. I can't wait to watch the game next weekend. For some reason I had thought we played the Giants next week. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
