If you were looking at the NFL schedule for 2012 prior to the start of the season, the Week 9 Monday Night football matchup between the Philadelphia Eagles and the New Orleans Saints probably looked pretty appealing. In fact, it might have been between two division leaders, and serious contenders for the Super Bowl.
But we are here now, and it is certainly not the matchup that many had anticipated. The two teams have combined for just five wins on the season, and are just a couple of more losses away from completely falling out of any playoff contention.
In fact, if the Saints lose this one at home, we can pretty much write them off. The Eagles might still have a slim chance if they lose, but it wouldn’t be much better.
The fact of the matter is that there is too much talent on both of these teams to be performing the way that they are.
Philadelphia is simply committing way too many turnovers, starting with quarterback Michael Vick. Vick was reaffirmed the starter for this week by head coach Andy Reid, despite the fact that there has been talk about the potential to go with rookie quarterback Nick Foles.
I can tell you that if Vick comes out and under performs once again, we will probably see Foles get some playing time, or maybe even a start in Week 10.
On the other side of the field for the Saints, it is quite evident that head coaching plays a bigger role than we might have thought. With Sean Payton suspended, New Orleans simply looks lost, even with Drew Brees at quarterback.
The Saints are five games back in the NFC South behind the Atlanta Falcons. They are nowhere near the playoff picture and will have to go on a serious run in the second half to mount any sort of a charge. Really, they probably can’t lose more than one game the rest of the way.
It’s a must win from here on out for both teams. And when that is the case, jobs are usually at stake and we could see some changes in Philadelphia later this year if the losses continue to pile up.