By Ross Jackson
NEW ORLEANS — Week 3 of the New Orleans Saints season is set to be a raucous and eventful one. After a fast start, the team will host the Philadelphia Eagles looking to extend their undefeated start to the season in front of what will be a galvanized and loud home audience. However, the Saints are bracing for impact with an Eagles team coming off of a tough loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Monday Night Football.
Here are five things you should know heading into this big NFC matchup.
- The Saints are off to a blazing-hot start.
If you’re tuning in to the Saints for the first time this season, it is likely because of their historic start. The 2-0 record tells the most important part of the story, yes. But 91 points scored, which tied for second-most scored through the first two games of a season in NFL history, makes it impossible to bat an eye at their accomplishments. The team is looking to secure its first 3-0 start since the 2013 season.
2. New Orleans look to be getting their top cornerback back.
Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore could be making his return to the field after missing last week’s game with a hamstring injury. Head coach Dennis Allen held him out of the game against the Dallas Cowboys in order to preserve Lattimore and avoid any further injury. The star cornerback has had a lot of success against the Philadelphia Eagles with and interception in their 2022 contest and two picks in the 2018 Divisional Playoff game in New Orleans. Without Eagles top wideout A.J. Brown on the field, Lattimore should be able to have an even greater impact on this weekend’s game.
3. Saints offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak is the talk of the NFL.
There are few examples of the kind of turnaround the Saints have undergone after hiring Kubiak to revamp their offensive attack. Going from an oftentimes pedestrian offense in 2023 to the leading scoring offense in the league with an innovative and exciting scheme is just the surface level. The Saints have been meeting as an offense before splitting off into their position groups, apparently a rarity in the league. This has given a “one voice” approach to the coaching staff and players on that side of the ball. And it is paying dividends. Every player knows what to expect, understands each other’s role and is taking an entirely selfless approach to the game. What is a small process change to those outside the building may be the very reason the Saints have been so cohesive and explosive to open the season. Everyone is on the same page, and Kubiak is a big reason why.
4. Philadelphia’s run game will be in sharp focus.
Between running back Saquon Barkley and quarterback Jalen Hurts, the Eagles could be a threat to the Saints’ defense. New Orleans has gotten off to fast starts in each of their first two games. This has helped to keep opposing rushing attacks at bay. The Eagles however, will continue to go back to their best threats, the legs of Hurts and Barkley. New Orleans surrendered the fifth-most rushing yards to quarterbacks last season. That’s a bad habit they will look to curb in this game.
5. New Orleans can do something it hasn’t done in a decade.
If the Saints win this game, they will improve to 3-0. It will be the first time since 2013 that the team has started out a season that strong. A loss here should not cost New Orleans its season. But a win could have a major impact. 3-0 teams make the playoffs at around a 76% rate. An excellent way to start up the season.
