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All week the Eagles players and coaches have praised the play calling of Saints head coach Sean Payton. They weren't just blowing smoke. Payton is imaginative and specializes in getting mismatches on the field.
All week the Eagles players and coaches have praised the play calling of Saints head coach Sean Payton. They weren't just blowing smoke. Payton is imaginative and specializes in getting mismatches on the field.
On the other side is Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson, also known for his creativity.
How Johnson counters Payton's play calling is one of the game's most intriguing matchups.
In the first game, the Eagles didn't officially sack Drew Brees. (A penalty negated the only sack.) Johnson will have to decide when to gamble and blitz and when to pull coverage back.
Payton will try to get players such as Reggie Bush favorable matchups against linebackers or even safeties.
The X's and O's chess match between the veteran defensive coordinator and the rookie head coach figures to be an important subplot in what should be an extremely tight game.