2:15 p.m., Eagles by 2 1/2
Last meeting
Eagles won 33-20 at Philadelphia on Nov. 23, 2003.
Spotlight on: Eagles WR Hank Baskett
Talk about taking the road less traveled. Baskett was an undrafted free agent out of New Mexico who signed with the Vikings, only to be traded to the Eagles for another WR, Billy McMullen. Baskett obviously caught the eye of the Eagles’ scouts, and he has repaid them with seven catches for 172 yards. He had a career day last week vs. Dallas, catching three Donovan McNabb passes for 112 yards and an 87-yard touchdown.
Who knew?
The speculation when the Saints drafted Reggie Bush was that he would be an every-down tailback. Instead, he has emerged as more of a receiving threat out of the backfield. Bush leads the league with 34 catches, most of which have been virtual handoffs, witness his 7.4-yard average. Bush is averaging only 3.1 yards per on 54 carries, but he hasn’t had to carry the load now that Deuce McAllister has bounced back from knee surgery. He has 380 yards on 79 carries, 4.8 per, and is tied for the league lead with four rushing touchdowns.
Etc.
Eagles seeking seventh straight W in series, fourth in a row in N’Awlins. … Donovan McNabb atop most people’s MVP lists and here’s why: Dude has thrown for 288-plus yards, 2-plus TDs in every game. … Does McNabb miss T.O.? Yeah, about as much as he misses three-buck-a-gallon gas. … Game marks return to New Orleans for Iggles WR Donte’ Stallworth, who spent first four Not For Long seasons with Saints. He set franchise rookie record with eight TD grabs in ’02. … Philly DE Trent Cole tied for league lead with 6.0 sacks, as many as Broncos’ entire roster. … Something’s gotta give here. Eagles lead NFL at 8.02 yards on first downs, and Saints are third in first-down D at 3.86.
Prediction: Eagles 24, Saints 19
