Saints defense vs. Eagles rush attack
A Jalen Hurts-led Philadelphia Eagles team have been head coach Dennis Allen’s kryptonite. Philidelphia has topped the New Orleans Saints twice in their last three meetings with the lone win for the Saints being against a Gardner Minshew-led offense. In the other two matchups, the Eagles have rushed for 242 and 246 rushing yards.
The Saints’ defense will be tried on Sunday, but they also present a challenge to Philadelphia. The New Orleans defense has held opposing teams to just three yards a carry through two games. The run defense’s success is partially due to the Saints’ quick offense forcing teams to play catch up, but a strong unit in its own right. Hurts has already rushed for over 100 yards this season and the talented Philidelphia offense has added veteran running back Saquon Barkley. Barkley scored three touchdowns in the season opener, two on the ground and one through the air, along with over 200 yards rushing in two games. The New Orleans defense will look for a strong showing against the Eagles rush attack forcing Hurts to throw the ball, something he has been subpar at to start the year.
Chris Olave vs. Darius Slay
Wide receiver Chris Olave started the season slowly but found his footing against a talented Dallas Cowboys defense. However, Olave’s matchup for Sunday doesn’t get easier as he faces veteran cornerback Darius Slay. Slay recently gave the third-year receiver his props ranking him as one of the toughest wideouts he has faced.
Olave has made it a mission to take the next step and become an elite player this season. Although he’s had a rough start, accumulating just under 100 yards receiving to start the season, a big day for the former first-round draft pick can accelerate himself into elite receiver talks along with helping the team get a win.
Darius Slay’s top 5 WRs he faced last season:
1: Justin Jefferson
2: Terry McLaurin
3: CeeDee Lamb
4: Diontae Johnson
5: Chris Olavepic.twitter.com/baz5TcW6iF— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) March 2, 2023
Alvin Kamara vs. Eagles Linebackers
Alvin Kamara has been on a tear to start the season scoring five times and gaining 100+ yards from scrimmage in each game. The Saints have dominated the run game emphasizing runs to the outside. But the Eagles linebackers are a fast and athletic bunch with the athleticism to keep up with Kamara, including former Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Devin White, who has matched up well with Kamara in the past. With the Saints’ offensive game plan relying on a successful running game, Kamara will have to come out victorious in a difficult matchup with the Philidelphia linebackers.
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