Eagles-Saints scouting report

Saints: With PK Garrett Hartley serving a four-game suspension, 45-year-old John Carney is handling the kicking duties. He was 35-for-38 on FG attempts last year with the Giants. Coverage units gave up a 43-yard punt return and an 87-yard kickoff return last week vs. Detroit.

PICK: EAGLES

Hot and not

 

HOT

Eagles: DE Darren Howard. Had five tackles, two sacks, three hurries and a forced fumble vs. Carolina.

Saints: QB Drew Brees. Has thrown nine touchdown passes in the last five quarters and has a .699 completion percentage in his last three games.

NOT

Eagles: QB Kevin Kolb. Replaced injured Donovan McNabb last week and averaged just 2.09 yards per attempt.

Saints: RB/PR Reggie Bush. Rushed for just 14 yards on 7 carries vs. Lions and averaged just 3.7 yards per attempt on three punt returns.

Key matchups

 

1. Eagles RDE Trent Cole vs. Saints LT Jermon Bushrod: Cole is a high-motor pass-rusher who will be going up against a guy making just his second NFL start. Edge: Eagles

2. Eagles QB Kevin Kolb vs. Saints FS Darren Sharper: Sharper fleeced one guy making his first career start last week, intercepting rookie Matthew Stafford twice. Now he's going up against another first-time starter in Kolb. Edge: Saints

3. Eagles WR DeSean Jackson vs. Saints CB Jabari Greer: Greer had as many interception returns for touchdowns last season - two - as Jackson had TD catches. Jackson needs to win this matchup if the Eagles are going to stay with the Saints' high-powered offense. Edge: Even

Domowitch's prediction

 

Saints 31, Eagles 30