Recent history: The Eagles defeated the Saints in New Orleans on Dec. 23, 2007, 38-23. The Eagles lead the series, 16-10.
Eagles: 267 yards a game (23rd)
Saints: 515 yards a game (1st)
Quarterback
Eagles: Kevin Kolb, who will start in place of injured Donovan McNabb, has just 45 pass attempts in two-plus NFL seasons, including 11 last week. He's got a strong arm, but has had ball-security issues in his few appearances, throwing four interceptions (in 34 attempts) last year.
Saints: Drew Brees has established himself as one of the best and most accurate QBs in the game. He's thrown 24 or more TD passes in each of the last five seasons. He throws a lot off three-step drops, which makes him extremely tough to sack. Also has a good nose for the blitz.
PICK: SAINTS
Eagles: While Brian Westbrook still will be the Eagles' go-to RB this season, they hope to lighten his load a bit by rotating in LeSean McCoy. The rookie played well in Week 1, rushing for 46 yards on nine carries. Westbrook will try to exploit mismatches vs. Saints linebackers and safeties in the passing game.
Saints: Sean Payton envisioned Reggie Bush being the second coming of Brian Westbrook, but he doesn't have Westbrook's inside running skills. His strength is as a yards-after-the-catch receiver on the outside. Pierre Thomas averaged 4.8 yards per carry last season, but sat last week with a sprained knee.
PICK: EAGLES
Eagles: TE Brent Celek picked up in Week 1 where he left off last season. He had six catches (one TD) vs. Carolina, giving him 25 in the last four games. He's got five TDs in the last five games. Eagles WRs had just six catches for 59 yards vs. Panthers and have just 12 touchdown catches in the last 20 games.
Saints: Drew Brees throws a lot to his TEs and RBs. TEs Jeremy Shockey and Billy Miller combined for 95 receptions last season. WR Devery Henderson is the Saints' deep threat (career average of 21.6 yards per catch). Marques Colston, 6-4, presents Plaxico Burress-like problems because of his height.
PICK: SAINTS
Eagles: RT Winston Justice did a credible job in just his second career start. But in a Week 2 game that's likely going to turn into a shootout, he'll have to fend for himself more than he did vs. Panthers, and the Eagles will get a better idea whether he's capable of being the long-term answer on that side.
