Did the Saints’ new offense get found out?
Or did New Orleans simply fall short in a tough game after losing an important player — center Erik McCoy — against a team with a strong defense?
“Nobody wants to see a Pro Bowl center go down,” coach Dennis Allen said Monday. “Obviously he’s one of our better players on our offensive line, so that’s a challenge. Yet everybody in the NFL has to deal with those challenges.”
A 15-12 loss to the Eagles has brought the Saints back down to reality after an impressive start to the season where they were the highest-scoring team, winning by an average of 28 points.
However, key injuries and a determined opponent can cool off a hot team.
“Their front played exceptionally well. It was a challenge for us all afternoon,” Allen said about the Eagles.
“They’re really good, especially at the defensive tackle position, and I think that was an area that they won that battle inside.”
While the initial excitement for new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak isn’t over, he will need to adjust since the Eagles have shown how to defend against New Orleans.
Not every defense will match the Eagles’ strength, but their strategy effectively slowed down the Saints.
New Orleans scored 11 touchdowns in their first two games combined but only managed to get in the end zone once in Week 3.
Meanwhile, Allen defended his team against claims of dirty play during the game.
DeVonta Smith was taken out with concussion symptoms after trying to escape two defenders. After his forward motion was halted, but before the whistle blew, a third defender, defensive tackle Khristian Boyd, tackled Smith, knocking off his helmet.
