Two preseason powerhouses are facing off in Week 5 for only their second win of the season and a chance to finally turn the year around. The New Orleans Saints are heading to the Linc to take on the Philadelphia Eagles in a must-win game for each team.
To say the Eagles have struggled this year is a bit of an understatement. Head coach Chip Kelly made a lot of questionable offseason moves and has yet to prove to fans that his plan is working, especially following a loss to Washington. Quarterback Sam Bradford is still trying to get back in rhythm after almost two full seasons out due to injuries, but hasn't had much help from his surrounding cast.
Running back DeMarco Murray was sidelined Week 3 following two games that didn't fully showcase his ability. Through the first four games, Murray has rushed just for 47 yards and one touchdown, although he's also had 76 receiving yards and a touchdown.
Despite the offseason additions of Murray and Ryan Mathews, Darren Sproles continues to be a key cog in the ground-and-pound offense. His value as a kick and punt returner is immeasurable, and has been responsible for injecting some energy into the team mid-game.
The run game has been stifled by the lack of a deep threat and an offensive line that struggles to create lanes. The team has all the weapons to win, but whether they tie everything together will be the determining factor in their success this season.
Another area of concern for the Eagles is the secondary. Aside from veteran leader Malcolm Jenkins, there are few consistencies at defensive back with players being cross-trained at safety and corner. This will be a good test for Saints quarterback Drew Brees to get his banged-up shoulder some work with deep passes.
Brees missed Week 3 following a huge hit against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but was cleared to play last week and won't require surgery -- at least during the season. His return against the Dallas Cowboys led the team to its first win of the season, albeit to a team with a lot of injured starters.
Saints running back Mark Ingram had a good showing last week against the Cowboys with 17 rushes for 77 yards and a touchdown that was called back. Brees has continued to spread the ball around, hitting four different targets for receiving touchdowns.
The offense has to be strong with a defense that hasn't forced an interception all season and has made only seven sacks. The Saints allow an average of 318.5 yards per game, ranking 24th in the league. They should have a decent day against the Eagles, unless Bradford and team can find a way to capitalize on the Saints secondary.
Both the Saints and Eagles are last in their divisions and are staring down the road to a long season unless they get a win in Week 5. Philadelphia fans are unforgiving so homefield advantage might not affect this matchup.
How to watch
When: 1 p.m. ET
Where: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
TV: FOX
Announcers: Thom Brennaman, Charles Davis, Tony Siragusa
Online: NFL Game Pass
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