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Previewing 2019 Divisional Round matchup for Eagles against Saints

By Jake Starr

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 04: (L-R) Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints talks with Nick Foles #9 of the Philadelphia Eagles after their NFC Wild Card Playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 4, 2014 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The New Orleans Saints defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 26 - 24. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 04: (L-R) Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints talks with Nick Foles #9 of the Philadelphia Eagles after their NFC Wild Card Playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 4, 2014 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The New Orleans Saints defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 26 - 24. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
(Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Eagles corners vs. Michael Thomas

When the Eagles last played the Saints, it is an understatement to say that they were torched on defense, as Brees passed for 363 yards and four touchdowns. Top New Orleans wide receiver Michael Thomas had one score and averaged a whopping 23 yards per reception.

The Eagles’ secondary is a whole lot better than it was in late November and should offer a much tougher test for the Saints receivers, especially Thomas. Avonte Maddox, Rasul Douglas, and Cre’von LeBlanc will all have their hand in covering Thomas.

Those three have really come into their own down the stretch and are a big reason why the Eagles have found their recent string of success. The Eagles have given up one touchdown over the last two games, and these three are a big reason why. Thomas and the Saints will offer a much tougher test, but one they will for sure be up for.

Fletcher Cox vs. Saints interior offensive line

Fletcher Cox continues to live up to the billing of one of the best defensive tackles in football. He registered 10.5 sacks this season, which was a career high and his first time hitting double digits. Cox’s ability to get to the quarterback will be very important for the Eagles on Sunday.

Cox will see himself matched up with the Saints interior linemen on offense. Andrus Peat, Max Unger, and Larry Warford will all have a hand in trying to slow down Cox. Peat and Unger are solid offensive linemen, but so far, no one has been able to stop Cox completely.

If Cox does get double teamed, it will open up some opportunities for other Eagles pass rushers to make plays such as Tim Jernigan. Then, if those guys can get home, it will open up some opportunities for Cox to get some one-on-one matchups that he can take advantage of.

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