In an unexpected turn of events, the Philadelphia Eagles eked out a gritty 15-12 victory over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, flipping the script on both teams' early-season narratives. Despite the Eagles' shaky defensive performances in their first two games, they managed to stifle a potent Saints offense that had averaged a gaudy 45.5 points per game and 6.9 yards per play coming into the matchup.
The Eagles' defense, seemingly revitalized, limited the Saints to a mere 12 points and held them to an average of just 4.0 yards per play. This was a startling contrast to the free-scoring Saints team that had surged through the starting weeks of the season. Former NFL quarterback Matt Ryan lauded the Eagles for their resilience and adaptability under pressure. "I mean, it was a gritty win going down there," Ryan remarked. "Offensively, they didn't do much until they got the long run from Saquon (Barkley) and the crossing route from (Dallas) Goedert -- and that was a result of the two defenders running into each other. A gutty win on the road. Their defense played really well."
The Saints' high-voltage offense was held in check by a dominant Eagles' defensive line that consistently collapsed the pocket around Derek Carr, the Saints' quarterback. This aggressive pressure disrupted Carr’s rhythm and forced hurried throws, resulting in a subdued offensive outing for New Orleans. "Internally, that D-Line was collapsing the pocket on Derek Carr," Ryan observed. "They did a great job against the run game and the secondary stood up and made plays."
One of the standout performances in this defensive battle came from running back Saquon Barkley. Barkley, who has been an explosive presence on the field, finished the game with 17 carries for 147 yards and two touchdowns, averaging an impressive 8.6 yards per carry. His 65-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter was a game-changer, providing the Eagles with a much-needed offensive spark. Barkley’s overall stats for the day included 156 yards from scrimmage, averaging 7.4 yards per touch. "Saquon, specifically, responded to that drop. Going out there the way that he did with the two touchdowns was impressive," Ryan stated regarding Barkley's performance.
The Saints, despite their regression in this game, have maintained impressive offensive statistics over the season. Averaging 34.3 points per game and 6.0 yards per play across their first three games, their offense remains formidable. However, Ryan suggested that their blistering start might be unsustainable. "I think we were all surprised at their production in the first two weeks," he said. "I wouldn't have expected them to also have the performance they had yesterday either. I think it will balance out. They'll be somewhere in the middle of that. I kind of expect them to be in between where they were the first two weeks and where they were yesterday."
The Eagles’ victory in such hostile territory has shifted their season's momentum, showcasing their ability to adapt and overcome early challenges. It was not just the defensive turnaround that caught the eye, but the overall determination and grit displayed from start to finish. Ryan, who has a wealth of experience playing in New Orleans with the Atlanta Falcons, emphasized how tough it is to win there. "I played down there a ton when I was in Atlanta, it's not an easy place to go in and win," he said. "Any time you get the job done in New Orleans, it's well earned. It was just what they needed."
As the season progresses, the Eagles will look to build on this hard-fought victory, using it as a blueprint for future success. Their defense, once a point of concern, could very well become a cornerstone of their campaign if they continue to perform at this elevated level.