The key this week for the Eagles defense is to disrupt the timing of the Saints passing attack and make Drew Brees pull down the ball. They can’t let him throw in rhythm to his first or second options or the pass rush won’t have time to get there.
It’s going to require them jamming the receivers and not letting them run their patterns so easily.
Sheldon Brown loves to play in the press technique so he’ll be comfortable with the game plan, but Asante Samuel likes to play off of the receivers, so that’s going to mean this will require some changes on his part.
The corners, linebackers and defensive lineman should all be moving around before the ball is snapped to avoid giving Brees an easy read. The idea is to keep him guessing.
The Saints like to hit you and hit you quick. Sean Payton is a very good game planner, so the defense has to disrupt those plans.
The Birds have to show a certain blitz or coverage then change it at the last second. Brees is very smart and has a great feel for the game, so you have to disguise the coverages.
He’s a very good athlete with great accuaracy and tremendous touch on his throws. Brees is able to buy time with his quick feet and he doesn’t let the pressure from pass rushers stop him from focusing downfield.
Once he gets into a rhythm, look out. He can shred a defense with darts going in every direction.
Wide reciever Marques Colston is one of Brees’ favorite targets and he’s a big physical receiver who can outmuscle for the ball and catch the ball in crowds.
Reggie Bush will have to be doulbled at times because it’ll be nearly impossible for a linebacker to cover him.
Jeremy Shockey is their tight end and he’s among the better tight ends in the league.
Last week the Birds defense under the leadership of Sean McDermott was able to totally take the Panthers out of the game once they forced Carolina to put the ball into the hands of Jake Delhomme, things won’t be so easy with Brees.
He can carry the New Orleans offense without a running game but the bad news about New Orleans is the fact that they also have a running game.
