The Philadelphia Eagles fell short in Week 2, while the New Orleans Saints continued their feverish start to the regular season. Now, the Eagles will travel down south to visit the Saints and attempt to slow down the hottest offense in the NFL.
Here are five matchups to watch during Sunday’s game between the Eagles and Saints.
The 5 Biggest Matchups in Eagles vs. Saints
Vic Fangio vs. Klint Kubiak
Following last season’s disappointing performance, both the Eagles and Saints knew it was time to make changes to their coaching staffs. The Eagles hired Vic Fangio as the team’s new defensive coordinator, and the Saints hired Klint Kubiak as the team’s new offensive coordinator.
Despite Fangio’s experience, Philadelphia’s defense has struggled significantly to start the regular season. In 2024, the Eagles allow the most rushing yards per carry (6.4) in the NFL. Philadelphia also allows the second most yards per carry before contact (2.55), according to TruMedia.
Meanwhile, Kubiak has put together a master plan in New Orleans that has helped the Saints score 40 or more points in each of the team’s first two games. The Saints have the fourth-most rushing yards (370) and most rushing touchdowns (six) in the NFL.
DeVonta Smith vs. Alontae Taylor
Following Kellen Moore’s arrival as offensive coordinator of the Eagles, DeVonta Smith’s role has changed in Philadelphia. Through his first three seasons in the NFL, Smith’s career-high in slot usage percentage was just 31.1%.
Through Smith’s first two games in Moore’s offensive scheme, Smith has played in the slot on 55.7% of Philadelphia’s snaps. Therefore, Smith should be matched up with Alontae Taylor quite often in Week 3.
Taylor is one of the best slot cornerbacks in the NFL due to his versatility and toughness. Yet he has struggled in coverage this season. According to Pro Football Focus, Taylor has allowed nine receptions on 11 targets for 96 yards and a 103.0 passer rating in 2024.
Jalen Hurts vs. Tyrann Mathieu
After struggling with turnovers in 2023, Jalen Hurts has continued to turn the ball over far too often this season. Hurts leads the NFL with four total turnovers through the first two weeks of the regular season.
RUN ON 'EM, JALEN! pic.twitter.com/UvmkzBFDcy
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) September 17, 2024
In each of Philadelphia’s first two games, Hurts threw an interception to an opposing safety. If that trend continues in Week 3, Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu could be the beneficiary of Hurts’ mistakes.
New Orleans’ secondary is one of the most underrated units in the NFL, and Hurts must be careful with his ball placement against the Saints.
Alvin Kamara vs. Zack Baun
New Orleans’ offense is off to one of the hottest starts in NFL history. At the center of the team’s offensive success is star running back Alvin Kamara.
Saints linebacker Demario Davis recently said that Kamara is “the best running back in football.”
Given Philadelphia’s struggles to stop the run through the first two weeks of the regular season, it’s safe to assume Kamara will have another huge performance in Week 3. Yet Eagles linebacker Zack Baun could have something to say about it in his homecoming to New Orleans.
Baun is one of the lone bright spots on Philadelphia’s defense, as he is tied for second in the NFL in total tackles (24). Given Baun’s athleticism and versatility, he could be matched up with Kamara in several different scenarios in Week 3.
The winner of this one-on-one matchup could decide which team is victorious in New Orleans.
Rashid Shaheed vs. Darius Slay
At 33 years old, Eagles cornerback Darius Slay isn’t getting younger or faster. Therefore, he’ll be in for a tough challenge when he’s matched up with Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed in Week 3.
Since arriving in 2022, Shaheed has quickly established himself as one of the best deep threats in the NFL. Among players with 50 or more receptions since 2022, Shaheed is tied with Gabe Davis for the league lead in yards per reception (17.0).
CARR TO SHAHEED 70 YARDS 🔥
📺: #NOvsDAL on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/GV0MW5cduw— NFL (@NFL) September 15, 2024
While the Eagles will certainly try to match up rookie cornerback Quinyon Mitchell with Shaheed in Week 3, it’s inevitable that Slay will be forced to defend him at times. Slay plays outside cornerback, and Shaheed has played 70% of his snaps this season as an outside wide receiver.