The score is still shocking to see on paper - 48-7.
You've heard all about it over the last day. It's the worst loss a defending champion has ever suffered. It's the sixth-worst loss in franchise history. It's a final score you guys rightfully ripped the Eagles for just after the game ended (see story.)
On Monday afternoon, I wondered what part of that score bothered Doug Pederson more: the 48 or the 7. So I asked him.
And he didn't hesitate at all.
The seven points we scored because we had more plays out on the field that we left, after watching the film again today. So that's the disappointing thing, that we didn't do a better job offensively and score more points in this game.
The 48, listen, they're a good football team. Let's not kid ourselves there. That's a good football team, and we knew we were going to have to score points, but, yeah, the seven points is probably more disappointing.
Yeah, he's right. At least on this topic.
Philadelphia Eagles
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The Saints score a lot of points. We knew this going into Sunday's game. They put up 51 points the previous week and were averaging 36.7 points per game. The Eagles weren't going to just shut down Drew Brees and that offense. We all went into the game on Sunday thinking the offense had to put up 40 points if the Eagles were going to have a chance. Then they scored seven.
So the Eagles' defense gave up 48 points to a Hall of Fame quarterback, but they have a secondary that has been completely decimated by injuries this year and even in this game. By the end of Sunday night, Brees was picking apart three corners who weren't on the roster a month ago (see story). Now, that still isn't an excuse to get torched as badly as they did and even before Avonte Maddox, Sidney Jones and Rasul Douglas went down, Brees was picking them apart.
But we expected the Saints to score. That's what they do.
The Saints also give up points and yards through the air. At least they did before they faced the Eagles. Coming into Sunday, the Saints were giving up 25.8 points per game and 296 yards through the air. The Eagles scored seven and Wentz had just 156 passing yards.
As bad as the defense has been at certain points this season, it's not the biggest problem. This offense isn't getting the job done. They have still scored just 21 points in first quarters this year - just 2.1 per game - and on Sunday never found a rhythm.
This is an offense with a franchise quarterback, an offensive line that's supposed to be good and several weapons, including a trade deadline acquisition of Golden Tate. That offense sputtered on Sunday and has sputtered for most of the season.
It takes a lot for 48 points given up on defense to not be the biggest problem in a game. But that's exactly what happened on Sunday.
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