Marques Colston hauls in one of his two scores on Sunday.
For a half, you thought the Eagles would have a chance to pull out a win even without Donovan McRib.
Then, two costly turnovers by Hobbs and Kolb made Eagles fans want to sob.
Ellis Hobbs started the second half by fumbling the opening kickoff, and the Saints then marched into the end zone to take a 24-13 lead. Kevin Kolb, who had played well for a half, followed that with an interception, leading to another touchdown and a 31-13 advantage for Drew Brees and the Saints.
Those two miscues cost the Eagles the game, pure and simple. They changed the momentum and the Eagles never recovered.
Taking away the turnovers, Kolb (who threw two more late INTs) seemed to play well. He made good throws, stayed in the pocket and showed he can be a competent No. 2 quarterback. He earned the right to start again next week if McRib is out — a likelihood since the Eagles have a bye the following week.
CAUSE FOR CONCERN: The offensive line, the defense’s tackling ability and the special teams.
With three projected starters missing from the first unit today, the offensive line was in shambles. Winston Justice continued to play well in place of The Beast, Shawn Andrews. He is the lone bright spot on the line. Max Jean-Gilles looked OK in place of Stacey Andrews, however, the man with the $40 million deal better learn how to block so he can get on the field soon. The fact is, the line needs to gel and the continuity to do so.
The defense missed Weapon X Brian Dawkins today, and it showed. Dawk wrapped people up and put their a$$es on the turf. The secondary couldn’t have wrapped a Christmas gift today.
On special teams, Ellis Hobbs’ fumble was inexcusable and he did not redeem himself with the 65-yard return toward the end of the third quarter. Sav Rocca is inconsistent and his long punts do not outweigh his piss-poor short punts that are reminiscent of a 10-year-old soccer goalie’s kicks.
REASONS FOR OPTIMISM: Kolb, Jackson and Celek.
Again, Kolb looked solid, if not spectacular. His 391 passing yards were 12th-most in Eagles history according to Ray Didinger of Comcast SportsNet. Yes, the guy threw three interceptions (one was a Hail Mary to end the game), but only one really cost the team.
DeSean Jackson had 100-yards and a touchdown and is showing no signs of a sophomore slump.
Brent Celek outplayed the overhyped Jeremy Shockey by hauling in eight receptions for 104 yards. He is starting to remind Eagles fans of a young Chad Lewis. The Birds could only be so lucky.
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Drew Brees, QB, Saints. Brees tossed for 311 yards and three touchdowns. With nine touchdowns in two games, Brees could be on the verge of one of the most prolific passing years in NFL history in terms of TDs and yards.
GOAT OF THE WEEK: Ellis Hobbs, KR, Eagles. His fumble to start the second half turned the game around.
NEXT UP: The Kansas City Chiefs, a 13-10 loser to the Raiders today.
