Scouting the Saints

2007 record:

7-7.

Coach: Sean Payton (18-14, second season with the Saints).

Points per game: 23.6.

Opponents' points per game: 22.6.

Series record: The Eagles lead, 15-10.

Last meeting: Jan. 13. The Saints won, 27-24, in an NFC divisional playoff game at New Orleans.

Current series streak: The Saints have won two straight.

Who's hot: After throwing just one touchdown and nine interceptions in his first four games, QB Drew Brees has returned to his 2006 Pro Bowl form, completing 71.3 percent of his passes (266 for 373) for 2,890 yards and 24 touchdowns in the Saints' last 10 games. His passer rating in the last 10 games is 108.5. . . . Filling in for the injured Reggie Bush and Deuce McAllister, RB Aaron Stecker has 195 yards on 42 carries in the last two games. . . . LB Mark Simoneau has 16 tackles and two sacks in his last three games.

Who's not: Even before he injured his left knee and missed the last two games, Bush had just 147 yards on 44 carries in his previous four games and had not gone over 100 yards rushing this season.

Local ties: Payton spent his childhood years playing youth football in Marple Newtown and was the Eagles' quarterbacks coach in 1997-98. . . . Linebackers coach Joe Vitt is from Blackwood and was the Eagles' linebackers coach from 1995 to '98. . . . DT Hollis Thomas played for the Eagles from 1996 to 2005. . . . Simoneau played with the Eagles from 2003 to '05. . . . G Jahri Evans was born in Philadelphia and went to Frankford High. . . . Colston is from Harrisburg and attended Susquehanna Township High.

Who's hurting: McAllister is out for the season with a knee injury. TE Eric Johnson (groin) is listed as doubtful, while Bush (knee) is questionable and Colston (back) probable.