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Saints continue playoff push

Dec 23, 2007 - 11:23 AM Philadelphia (6-8) at New Orleans (7-7) 1:00 pm EST

NEW ORLEANS (Ticker) -- Still holding out hope of reaching the postseason, the New Orleans Saints host the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday.

New Orleans enters the contest tied with Washington, one game behind Minnesota for the NFC's second wild card. The Redskins visit the Vikings on Sunday night.

If a playoff spot comes down to a tiebreaker, the Saints would seem to be in good shape thanks to their 6-4 conference record.

In the last two weeks, the Saints will face a pair of teams that already have been eliminated from postseason contention in the Eagles and Chicago Bears. Last season, the Saints beat the Eagles in the divisional round of the playoffs before losing to the Bears in the NFC championship game.

If the Saints are able to make it to the playoffs, they would join the 1992 San Diego Chargers as the only teams in NFL history to make the postseason after starting 0-4.

One of the main reasons for the Saints' turnaround has been the play of quarterback Drew Brees. Since throwing for one touchdown and nine interceptions in the club's horrid start, Brees has 24 TDS and six picks in his last 10 contests.

Brees threw for 315 yards and two touchdowns last week as the Saints posted a 31-24 victory over the Arizona Cardinals.

In what has been a disappointing season, the Eagles enjoyed a satisfying win last week, a 10-6 triumph over the hated Dallas Cowboys, who are tied with the Green Bay Packers for the NFC's best record.

Brian Westbrook continued his monster season last week, rushing for 81 yards and catching nine passes for 63 yards. He leads the NFL with 1,896 yards from scrimmage (1,191 rushing, 705 receiving).

With just over two minutes remaining against the Cowboys, Westbrook drew accolades for a selfless act. In the clear after a 24-yard run, Westbrook went down at the Cowboys' 1-yard-line instead of scoring a touchdown, allowing the Eagles to run out the clock.