We’re continuing our preview of the New Orleans Saints’ 2021 opponents with the Philadelphia Eagles, who the Saints will visit in Week 11. Both franchises have experienced some changes this offseason, and many eyes will be following each of them. Expectations are unclear for these two new-look teams.

While there is quite some time between now and the match up, both teams are likely to run out quarterbacks with unknowns. The Saints will likely see Jameis Winston suit up to take the reins while the Eagles will have Jalen Hurts, a prolific but unproven quarterback, get the start.

These aren’t the Eagles of old (or Saints for that matter), so let’s get to it and see what to expect from Philadelphia:

Game Information

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Everything you need to know:

• When: 12:00 p.m. CT, Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021

• Where: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Penn.

• TV: FOX

Expectations for Philadelphia

Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

The Eagles are in the midst of a pseudo-rebuild after shipping out Carson Wentz and Doug Pederson and electing to roll with Jalen Hurts under center. The term 'pseudo' is thrown in there because in any given season, any one of the four teams in the NFC East can make the playoffs by winning seven games or fewer. Philadelphia has a new coach, a new quarterback, and a new philosophy heading into the season. They could pose a unique challenge or they could just be fodder for the rest of the league. No one really knows. But that doesn't mean many observers are feeling optimistic. The oddsmakers at BetMGM have the Eagles with a projected win total of just 6.5. Philadelphia could surprise us, but their chances of doing that aren't great.

Key Additions

Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Free Agency

Philadelphia's only splash signing was defensive back Anthony Harris, who will help replace Jalen Mills in the secondary. They did also add quarterback Joe Flacco and linebacker Eric Wilson, but it remains to be seen if either of them gets on the field much this year. The cash-strapped Eagles weren't big spenders this year.

2021 NFL draft

However, they put together a really strong draft. The majority of outlets gave Philadelphia's draft a grade of a "B" to a low "A" and it wasn't without good reason. The Eagles started by drafting Heisman Trophy-winning wide receiver DeVonta Smith with the 10th overall pick. Smith immediately fills one of the largest holes on the roster and offers Hurts the ability to throw to a competent weapon. Their next two picks also addressed glaring needs along the line of scrimmage, when Philadelphia selected Smith's Alabama teammate Landon Dickerson and Louisiana Tech defensive tackle Milton Williams. Both picks were graded highly by many in and around the league. It's a foundation that could help Hurts find success.

Key Losses

Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Philadelphia has seen quite the overhaul since last season. Head coach Doug Pederson has been replaced by Nick Sirianni, a young and unproven option who is expected to right the ship after working with former Eagles offensive coordinator Frank Reich in Indianapolis. Additionally, quarterback Carson Wentz, once thought the franchise altering player, was traded to the Colts paving the way for Hurts to be the Week 1 starter for the Eagles. Philadelphia also moved on from defensive back Jalen Mills, who led the team in snaps played (1,013) and fan-favorite receiver DeSean Jackson, as well as wideout Alshon Jeffery and defensive tackle Malik Jackson.

Series History and Preview

Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Philadelphia owns the all-time record at 18-15, though the Saints have had some success by winning five of their last seven matchups. However, New Orleans dropped their most recent meeting on the road last season in what has now become a sore topic of conversation. Here's hoping the Saints can avoid another upset loss in front of the raucous Eagles home crowd.

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