One of the most frustrating parts of a season that's been defined by frustration has been the lack of downfield plays by the Eagles. In years past, we've seen Donovan throw deep balls and rack up great offensive yards, but this season, it's been nearly all dink-and-dunk, short routes. Even the players don't seem to have an answer as to why the Birds have kept the field short, even against weak secondaries.
Today they face a beatable secondary in New Orleans, highlighted by CB Jason David, who's spent most of the season biting on first moves and reading nameplates as they streak to pay dirt. David's been a strategic part of every passing gameplan that has faced the Saints this year, and one would think that'd be true this afternoon with the pass-happy Birds suiting up in K'Ville. But who knows, they could continue to astound us and play it conservative. Hopefully we'll see David gasping for breath by the end of the first half.
Reggie Bush is likely out, leaving Aaron Stecker in the backfield for the Saints. TE Eric Johnson is also out, which softens the loss of Takeo Spikes, but only a little. Johnson's not a huge part of their passing game. Marques Colston is, but he has a gamey back, though he is still expected to play and present matchup problems. The Saints have been passing the ball plenty well down the stretch after a slow start. Drew Brees has really stepped it up, and can put up points in a hurry, but if the Eagles shut down the Cowboys passing game, they can definitely do the same with the Saints.
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