The New Orleans Saints pulled out a hard-fought 20-14 win over the Philadelphia Eagles in large part due to the play of former Ohio State football players.
The No. 1 seed New Orleans Saints knew they were in a battle early on when the Philadelphia Eagles jumped out to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter. After that, former Ohio State football players made their presence known and the Saints rallied to move on to the conference championship game.
When it seemed as though New Orleans didn’t have an answer as to how to stop the Philadelphia passing game cornerback Marshon Lattimore came up with an interception. Then wide receiver Michael Thomas and Ted Ginn Jr. got into action and the offense started rolling.
Receptions by Thomas moved the chains which enabled quarterback Drew Brees to drive down the field for a score to make it a seven point game. Ted Ginn also had a reception during the drive and the two former Buckeye receivers came up big at key moments from that point forward.
Thomas and Ginn were instrumental in the final New Orleans drive of the first half which led to a field goal and cut Philadelphia’s lead to 14-10.
It was more of the same in the second half as Thomas had key receptions in both of the Saints’ scoring drives, including one for the go-ahead touchdown. Ginn also had an important catch in the touchdown drive.
But their efforts would have been for nought if the New Orleans defense couldn’t stop Philadelphia on the final drive, and it looked like they wouldn’t. Then a Nick Foll’s pass slipped through the hands of Alshon Jeffery and Lattimore was there to pick it off, essentially sealing the win.
It should be noted that Lattimore wasn’t the only Buckeye on the defensive side of the ball making plays. After the initial onslaught by the Eagles’ receivers, Lattimore, Eli Apple, Vonn Bell and Kurt Coleman were instrumental in slowing them down.
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The Buckeyes playing for Philadelphia also performed well. Long time NFL safety Malcolm Jenkins had his usual great game, and of course Cameron Johnston was outstanding punting the football.
Here are the stats for the former Buckeyes per ESPN.com.
- Michael Thomas: 12 receptions, 171 yards and 1 touchdown
- Ted Ginn Jr.: 3 receptions for 44 yards
- Marshon Lattimore: 4 tackles, 2 passes defended, 2 interceptions
- Eli Apple: 4 tackles, 1 pass defended
- Vonn Bell: 4 tackles, 1 pass defended
- Kurt Coleman: 1 tackle
- Malcolm Jenkins: 10 tackles
- Cameron Johnston: 48.2 yards per punt
The former Ohio State football players for the Saints and the Eagles brought their A-games tonight and it was fun to watch. The Saints will now take on the Los Angeles Rams for the NFC Championship next Sunday.