7:45 p.m.: Brutal.
For a split second, it felt like the Eagles were going to find some magic and pull it out. But that INT that went through Alshon Jeffery’s hands ended it. You gotta feel for that guy. The TV broadcast showed Doug Pederson making sure to console him.
This is possibly it for Nick Foles in an Eagles uniform. He got off to a hot start, but missed some chances. The Eagles had a lead in this game and even had a chance to win at the end and couldn’t get it done. There are some big questions coming this offseason.
Final: Saints 20, Eagles 14
7:36 p.m.: Will Lutz missed a 52-yard field goal and the Eagles have life. There’s 2:58 left in the game. Eagles down six.
7:15 p.m.: The Eagles’ defense held up to force a 39-yard field goal to cap a 62-yard field goal.
There’s 10:28 left in the game and the Eagles are still alive.
NFL
Saints 20, Eagles 14
7:04 p.m.: The Eagles got a first down with a pass to Zach Ertz, but then were forced to punt. That’s bad news because their defense has to be gassed after that last drive.
6:51 p.m.: The Eagles had a few chances to stop the Saints on their drive in the third quarter and couldn’t do it. It was a monster of a drive: 18 plays, 92 yards over 11:29. In yards, it was the longest drive the Eagles have given up in the playoffs since a 96-yarder to the Bucs in the NFC Championship game back in 2003.
There’s 1:40 left in the third quarter and the Saints just took the lead for the first time.
Saints 17, Eagles 14
6:11 p.m.: What a crazy first half. The Eagles are up after two quarters, but it kinda doesn’t feel like it. They scored the game’s first 14 points and could have gone up even bigger but an interception ruined that and then the Saints scored the final 10 points of the half.
At half: Eagles 14, Saints 10
The Eagles failed to capitalize on some big chances and made some key mistakes. They’ve also been injured in this game. Brandon Brooks left with what is reportedly a serious injury. Rasul Douglas (ankle) hasn’t been back in since his injury. Michael Bennett and Fletcher Cox both got hurt, but were able to return. Cox immediately made a play once he returned.
The Eagles out-gained the Saints 199-194 in the first half. It’s close right now.
After their hot start and then cool-off, the Eagles have to keep their foot on the pedal. They have to keep their aggressiveness. Should be a fun second half.
5:43 p.m.: This game feel a lot different than it did 10 minutes ago. The Saints picked off Nick Foles and went 79 yards on 12 plays in 6:12. They scored on 4th-and-goal from the 2-yard line. The touchdown was a pass to Keith Kirkwood. The Saints targeted Josh Hawkins, who was added to the active roster in December. He’s in the game for Rasul Douglas (ankle). The momentum has completely shifted after Foles’ INT. The Eagles also keep getting hurt, which hasn’t helped.
There’s 7:23 left in the first half: Eagles 14, Saints 7
5:28 p.m.: Nick Foles just threw an INT. He under threw Zach Ertz down the left sideline. This might give the Saints some life. There’s 13:35 left in the second quarter.
5:22 p.m.: Yeah, this isn’t November anymore. The Eagles are playing great right now.
After 1 quarter: Eagles 14, Saints 0
The Eagles out-gained the Saints 153-17 in the first quarter.
Nick Foles completed 8 of 9 passes for 113 yards and a touchdown. Drew Brees is 2 for 6 for 30 yards and a pick.
5:09 p.m.: The Eagles are rolling right now. They just took a two-touchdown lead. Nick Foles picked up his first-career postseason rushing touchdown to cap a 10-play, 75-yard drive that took 5:14 off the clock.
The Eagles lost RG Brandon Brooks on the drive, but still scored. The big play came on 3rd-and-7, when Foles hit Alshon Jeffery for 30 yards.
Still in the first: Eagles 14, Saints 0
4:49 p.m.: Holy crap, what a start! Nick Foles hit Jordan Matthews for a 37-yard touchdown pass to give the Eagles an early 7-0 lead in the Superdome.
The drive was seven plays for 76 yards and took 4:05. They scored first after that big LeBlanc INT. LeBlanc and Matthews weren’t even on the opening day roster.
4:42 p.m.: The Saints tried to attack Cre’Von LeBlanc on the first play of the game. Big mistake. The young DB picked off Drew Bree’s. Huge play.
4:39 p.m.: Eagles win the toss and defer. The Saints get the ball first. This place is rocking.
4:01 p.m.: We are nearing the kickoff of this big NFC divisional round game. Here are a few scenes from pregame warmups.
3:12 p.m.: The Eagles won’t have Sidney Jones or Mike Wallace today. Both are inactive. But special teamer D.J. Alexander (hamstring) will return.
Here are the Eagles’ inactives:
Carson Wentz (back)
Sidney Jones (hamstring)
Mike Wallace (ankle)
Bruce Hector
Chance Warmack
Matt Pryor
B.J. Bello
2:41 p.m.: We’re about a half hour from the inactives announcement, but I wanted to show you guys this video from GMFB. Pretty cool chat between Steve Smith and the Eagles’ top three wideouts.
1:16 p.m.: I have arrived to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Right now is the calm before the storm. In just a few hours, this place is going to be really loud.
10:52 a.m.: Out and about in New Orleans last night I saw a few Eagles fans, but they’re not going to take over the Superdome. It’s going to be loud and the Eagles are going to have to rely on their silent count for communication. That silent count has been working pretty well for them.
10:20 a.m.: Good morning, everyone! Is it 4:40 yet? This day is going to go pretty slow, but I’m in New Orleans and will be heading to the Superdome in just a few hours.
The big news last night was that the Rams beat the Cowboys, so we know if the Eagles are able to pull off the upset today, they’ll be heading back to the LA Coliseum next week.
But for now, this is the only stadium to worry about.
Tune in to Eagles Pregame live on NBCSP+ at 3 p.m. and come back after the game for Eagles Postgame Live.