SBNation.com - Saints vs. Eagles 2013, NFC playoffs: New Orleans gets 1st ever playoff road winhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46737/sbn-fave.png2014-01-06T09:05:01-05:00http://www.sbnation.com/rss/stream/50249372014-01-06T09:05:01-05:002014-01-06T09:05:01-05:00Saints-Eagles injuries: Lewis sustains concussion
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<figcaption>Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>New Orleans is moving on but not without a key question in the secondary.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">New Orleans Saints</a> earned a very tough road win on Saturday night over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Philadelphia Eagles</a>, giving themselves a date with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seattle Seahawks</a> this weekend.</p>
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<p>New Orleans escaped Philadelphia without much news on the injury front, although with the notable exception of Keenan Lewis. The top cornerback left the game with what is believed to be a concussion, putting his status for Seattle in jeopardy, <a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/new-orleans-saints/post/_/id/4173/quick-take-saints-at-seahawks">per ESPN</a>.</p>
<p>Lewis will have to pass a battery of tests to be cleared to play. If he can't, he'll join <span>Jabari Greer</span> and <span>Kenny Vaccaro</span> as prominent members of the Saints secondary who have been shelved.</p>
<p>For the Eagles, their season comes to an abrupt close. Philadelphia remained mostly healthy, although tight end <span>Brent Celek</span> left the game with a neck injury, <a href="https://twitter.com/RoobCSN/status/419681398429999104">according to Reuben Frank of CSN Philly</a>. It's uncertain what his timetable is for returning.</p>
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https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2014/1/6/5279410/eagles-saints-2014-nfl-playoff-injuriesMatt Verderame2014-01-05T10:22:11-05:002014-01-05T10:22:11-05:00Peters says Saints 'got lucky' in win
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<figcaption>Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Eagles lost on a last-second field goal in the first round of the playoffs.</p> <p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Philadelphia Eagles</a> starting offensive tackle <span>Jason Peters</span> seems to have taken the team's last-second playoff loss to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">New Orleans Saints</a> particularly hard, saying the winners "got lucky" in their victory, <a href="http://www.csnphilly.com/football-philadelphia-eagles/costly-miscues-sink-eagles-playoff-game">via Geoff Mosher of Comcast Sports Net</a>.</p>
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<p>"They got lucky and beat us. We beat ourselves in the first half and they came out with the win."</p>
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<p>Eagles cornerback Cary Williams agreed with Peters, saying he still believed the Eagles were the better team.</p>
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<p>"We lost to a team that wasn't necessarily better than us. They weren't better than us. Period. But [they were] better tonight. They got the job done."</p>
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<p>Peters, a five-time Pro Bowler, came to the Eagles from the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> prior to the 2009 season. He has struggled with injury during his time in Philadelphia, missing the entirety of the 2012 season, and he has started all 58 games he has played in his five years with the Eagles. In five years with Buffalo, he played in 65 games, starting in 55.</p>
<p>The Eagles trailed the Saints 20-7 late in the third quarter, but came back to take a 24-23 lead with less than five minutes to play. Shayne Graham's 32-yard field goal as time expired gave New Orleans the win and knocked Philadelphia out of the playoffs.</p>
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https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2014/1/5/5276268/jason-peterson-lucky-saints-eagles-nfl-playoffsPete Volk2014-01-05T09:01:04-05:002014-01-05T09:01:04-05:00Fan reactions from the Saints' last second win
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<figcaption>Al Bello</figcaption>
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<p>Eagles fans hold hope for the future, while the Saints' faithful has praise for their quarterback.</p> <p>The first day of NFL playoff action saw two exciting games, with the latter providing a dramatic <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">Saints</a> victory in the final seconds.</p>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Eagles</a> took an early lead, as <span>Nick Foles</span> found <span>Riley Cooper</span> for a ten-yard touchdown to provide a 7-6 Philadelphia lead at the end of the first quarter. The Saints scored two touchdowns early in the third quarter -- one a 24-yard touchdown pass from Drew Brees to <span>Lance Moore</span>, and another Mark Ingram's four-yard touchdown run -- to make it 20-7, but LeSean McCoy's one-yard touchdown run cut the score to 20-14.</p>
<p>The two teams traded field goals at the start of the fourth quarter, and Foles's three-yard touchdown pass to <span>Zach Ertz</span> gave Philadelphia the lead at 24-23. Brees drove the Saints down the field in the final minutes, setting up Shayne Graham's game-winning field goal as time expired.</p>
<p>Brandon Lee Gowton of Bleeding Green Nation says there is <a href="http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2014/1/5/5275952/eagles-saints-chip-kelly-dark-day-bright-future" style="background-color: #ffffff;">hope for the Eagles' future</a>, and that they have the talent and the coaching staff to build on this season for next year:</p>
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<p>For now, I'm maintaining the viewpoint that the future is bright until proven otherwise. It feels good to have experienced a winning season, a division crown, and a playoff berth again. This year was so unlike the expiring years of the Reid era, which felt like a giant waste of time at the end. This new Kelly era feels worthwhile and something worth being optimistic about.</p>
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<p>J.R. Ella of Canal Street Chronicles noted star quarterback <span>Drew Brees's</span> performance, which had an impressive finish <a href="http://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/2014/1/4/5272584/saints-eagles-nfl-wildcard-playoffs-final-score">after a shaky start</a>:</p>
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<p>Drew Brees showed why he is a 100 million dollar man. He shook off a bad first half to play near flawlessly in the second half. His field goal winning drive was a thing of beauty.</p>
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https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2014/1/5/5276100/eagles-saints-2014-nfl-playoffs-nfc-wild-cardPete Volk2014-01-05T08:31:40-05:002014-01-05T08:31:40-05:00Haralson may have torn pectoral muscle
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<figcaption>Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sport</figcaption>
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<p>If true, he is unlikely to return in the playoffs.</p> <p>New Orleans linebacker <span>Parys Haralson</span> may have a torn pectoral muscle after an injury suffered during Saturday's wild card win against the <a href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Eagles</a>, Ian Rapoport <a href="https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/419700836294356992">is reporting</a>.</p>
<p>Haralson suffered the injury after tackling <span>Jason Avant</span> near the first half, and received hearty boos from a Philadelphia crowd who presumably thought he was faking it.</p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Saints</a> will next travel to face the <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Seahawks</a> on January 11, and Haralson's status is as of yet unknown for the contest. If the injury truly is a torn pectoral muscle, he will likely not play again until next season.</p>
<p>In his first season with the Saints, Haralson played with the <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">49ers</a> for seven seasons before being traded to New Orleans. He started eight regular season games for the team, recording 31 tackles, three-and-a-half sacks and a pass deflection.</p>
<p>New Orleans is the sixth seed in the NFC, and is not considered likely to make a deep playoff run. Without Haralson, that task is now even more difficult.</p>
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https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2014/1/5/5276078/parys-haralson-injury-saints-pectoralPete Volk2014-01-05T08:00:02-05:002014-01-05T08:00:02-05:00Patton, Cobb among players to watch
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<figcaption>Norm Hall</figcaption>
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<p>Obviously, you should look out for Aaron Rodgers, Colin Kaepernick and Frank Gore, but there are plenty of other low-key players you should keep an eye on Sunday.</p> <iframe src="https://www.sbnation.com/videos/iframe?id=38303" frameborder="0" seamless="true" marginwidth="0" mozallowfullscreen="true" webkitallowfullscreen="true" name="38303-chorus-video-iframe"></iframe>
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Green Bay Packers</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">San Francisco 49ers</a> faced off in the playoffs last year, and the former had no answer for the latter. San Francisco then won the meeting between the two teams in Week 1 of this season. Will the Niners continue their streak? There are plenty of players who will make an impact for both teams, but we'll take a look at some of the low-key players who could make a difference below.</p>
<h3>Packers</h3>
<h4>
<span>Randall Cobb</span>, WR</h4>
<p>Randall Cobb was the hero of Week 17 for the Packers, making the most of his two receptions for two touchdowns, including a 48-yarder on fourth down inside the final minute of the fourth quarter. Cobb had sat out since mid-October with a broken leg before returning and should be an even bigger part of the Packers' passing attack in the playoffs. He also allows <span>Jordy Nelson</span> to play more extensively on the outside, where Nelson's skillset is better suited. In sum, Cobb's return makes the Packers a more dangerous offensive team. Period.</p>
<h4>
<span>Andrew Quarless</span>, TE</h4>
<p>Andrew Quarless has come into his own late in the season. He recorded season-highs of six receptions in Weeks 14 and 15, catching one touchdown both weeks. He has become a reliable option in Jermichael Finley's absence and given the Packers a much-needed intermediate threat with Jordy Nelson and <span>James Jones</span> sucking up targets on the outside. He has also proven adept at paving the way for <span>Eddie Lacy</span> in the running game.</p>
<h4>
<span>Mike Daniels</span>, DE/DT</h4>
<p>With Clay Matthews out, the pass-rushing onus falls on second-year defensive lineman Mike Daniels, who has been something of a revelation this season. He is unconventionally built at 6', 291 pounds, but he has been perhaps Green Bay's defensive MVP this season. Daniels' 6.5 sacks only lag behind Matthews' 7.5 quarterback takedowns, and Daniels has played a much bigger role than Matthews as a run stopper. Taking on a balanced 49ers squad, Daniels' versatility could prove pivotal to the Packers' success.</p>
<h3>49ers</h3>
<h4>
<span>Quinton Patton</span>, WR</h4>
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<h3>NFL Playoffs</h3>
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<p>Quinton Patton was immediately put ahead of <span>A.J. Jenkins</span>, the failed first-round pick from last season who was eventually traded to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/">Kansas City Chiefs</a>. But Patton was soon injured and fell behind the rest of the pack. The rookie only recently returned to the lineup, and with <span>Mario Manningham</span> injured and both <span>Anquan Boldin</span> and <span>Michael Crabtree</span> demanding primary coverage, he had an opportunity to make something big happen.</p>
<p>Patton came through against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Arizona Cardinals</a> in Week 17. He had two receptions for 34 yards and one end-around for 26 yards, but all three plays showed quick-twitch ability and shifty speed, something the 49ers desperately need. Patton caught a 22-yard pass with 2 seconds left in the game to help the 49ers kick a field goal and win it in regulation.</p>
<h4>
<span>Mike Iupati</span>, G</h4>
<p>When Mike Iupati went down with injury and <span>Adam Snyder</span> took over at the left guard spot, there was a definite drop in rushing production. <span>Frank Gore</span> loves to follow behind Iupati above all else, and while Snyder probably isn't given enough credit for his play at times, he's definitely no Iupati. He's played over the past couple weeks, but Gore has struggled. Iupati hasn't been 100 percent just yet, but he's getting there.</p>
<h4>
<span>Eric Wright</span>, CB</h4>
<p>The 49ers like what cornerback Eric Wright brings to the table. He's solid in coverage, quicker than <span>Carlos Rogers</span> and should be fresh for Sunday's game. Wright tweaked his hamstring in practice this week, but Rogers is dealing with an injury of his own that might keep him out. That would likely put <span>Tramaine Brock</span> on Green Bay's top receivers, and it should mean that Wright gets some solid playing time. He has underrated ball skills and could easily find himself with an interception on Sunday.</p>
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https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2014/1/5/5270854/49ers-packers-2014-nfl-playoffs-players-to-watchLouis Bien2014-01-04T23:52:26-05:002014-01-04T23:52:26-05:00Saints get 1st ever road playoff win
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<figcaption>Al Bello</figcaption>
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<p>The Saints made history in Philadelphia with a playoff win on the road.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New Orleans Saints</a> earned their first road playoff victory in franchise history on Saturday with a 26-24 win over the <a href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Philadelphia Eagles</a>. They'll advance to the divisional round of the playoffs, where they'll take on the <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Seattle Seahawks</a> in what might be the league's toughest and most hostile environment.</p>
<p>While the Saints will surely be underdogs in Seattle, this is a big milestone for the New Orleans organization. Before Saturday, the Saints had lost all five of their previous playoff games on the road.</p>
<p>A couple of those losses were close -- a 36-32 game against the <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">San Francisco 49ers</a> in the 2011 season, and a 41-36 loss to the aforementioned Seahawks in the 2010 season -- but the rest were fairly one-sided games. New Orleans fell twice to the <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chicago Bears</a>, 39-14 in the 2006 and 16-6 in 1990, its first ever road playoff game. The Saints had a 36-16 loss in Minnesota in 2000.</p>
<p>This is significant today because this team has been notably better at home. This has been discussed for some time, with particular emphasis on quarterback <span>Drew Brees</span> and how he performs better in the conditions of a dome. New Orleans put up a 3-5 record on the road this season, while sporting a perfect 8-0 mark at the Superdome.</p>
<p>Brees struggled early in Saturday's game, throwing two interceptions in the first half. Whether or not he would have thrown those picks at home isn't really the point, though. What matters is that the Saints won this one, and now have the ultimate road test ahead of them in Seattle.</p>
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https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2014/1/4/5275560/saints-vs-eagles-recap-nfl-playoffsJames Brady2014-01-04T23:48:37-05:002014-01-04T23:48:37-05:00The Eagles set off all their celebratory fireworks
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<figcaption>Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Never let a bad loss put a damper on things. Do you. Live your life. Set off fireworks. </p> <p>The Philadelphia Eagles lost on a last-second field goal to the New Orleans Saints, ending Chip Kelly's first season on a sour note.</p>
<p>But hey -- that's no reason not to have a good time, right? This tweet came about ten minutes after the game ended:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Celebratory fireworks go off at Linc. Must have been malfunction <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Eagles&src=hash">#Eagles</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23saints&src=hash">#saints</a></p>— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) <a href="https://twitter.com/JordanRaanan/statuses/419687490338164736">January 5, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>Explanations: <p>a) wooo! Go Saints! </p>
<p> b) Fireworks are like milk -- if they didn't set them off, they weren't going to keep. </p>
<p> c) Despite the disappointing loss, the Eagles wanted to celebrate the fact that this was still a very good season after going 4-12 last year, and the fact that the future is very bright </p>
<p> d) Inspired by this: </p>
<p> <iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/l-ZHaCj0YQY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p> (To be fair, <a href="http://www.dailynorseman.com/2013/12/1/5164012/bears-at-vikings-final-score-minnesota-wins-in-overtime-23-20-twice">the Vikings also had a fireworks false alarm earlier this yea</a>r.)</p>
https://www.sbnation.com/lookit/2014/1/4/5275578/the-eagles-set-off-all-their-celebratory-fireworks-despite-losingRodger Sherman2014-01-04T22:42:13-05:002014-01-04T22:42:13-05:00Eagles fans offer support for Keenan Lewis
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<figcaption>Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>... in their own special way.</p> <p>Saints CB Keenan Lewis <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2014/1/4/5275404/keenan-lewis-injury-saints-eagles-nfl-playoffs">left in the third quarter of Saturday night's Wild Card game in Philadelphia</a> after a helmet-to-helmet collision with Eagles WR Jason Avant. He received the expected encouragement from fans as he walked off the field.</p>
https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2014/1/4/5275414/eagles-fans-offer-their-support-for-keenan-lewisRyan Van Bibber