Defense Is Catalyst for Eagles : NFC: Eric Allen returns two interceptions for touchdowns in 37-26 victory over Saints.

Eric Allen returned two interceptions for touchdowns to tie an NFL record with four in a season, and Philadelphia’s once-dominating defense gave a flashback of what used to be, setting up 26 of the Eagles’ points in a 37-26 victory Sunday over the New Orleans Saints.

The Saints were leading, 9-0, in the second quarter on three Morten Andersen field goals, one a 56-yarder, when the Eagles’ William Thomas sacked New Orleans’ Mike Buck in the end zone for a safety.

Four plays later, Bubby Brister connected with Michael Young on a 49-yard touchdown pass play. Young, the former Ram and Denver Bronco, was signed in midseason as a free agent.

After Derek Brown fumbled on the Saints’ next possession, Brister teamed with Herschel Walker for an 11-yard touchdown pass play and a 15-9 lead.

The Saints, who started the season 5-0 but now are 7-8, probably won’t make the playoffs. The Eagles, who started 4-0 and are now also 7-8, still have a mathematical chance.

Buck’s first start for the Saints lasted only a half, as he completed only one of seven passes for a minus-three yards.

Steve Walsh played the second half and completed five of 11 passes for 78 yards. Both of Allen’s interception touchdowns were off Walsh.

“Our QB play wasn’t good enough at all,” Saint Coach Jim Mora said. “Our quarterbacks need to do two things: they must make the plays that help you win and do the things that don’t get you beat. Our quarterbacks didn’t do either.”

Allen’s 33-yard interception-return touchdown in the third quarter made it 24-12 and his 25-yarder in the fourth quarter pushed it to 37-19. That put it out of the reach of the inoffensive Saints, who lost their third in a row and eighth in 10 games.