NFL
By: Mark T. Wilson
The Philadelphia Eagles and the Minnesota Vikings will meet in a Week 3 matchup of undefeated teams. The Vikings are coming off an impressive win against Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers while the Eagles managed to survive the hungry Detroit Lions at Ford Field. All indications are pointing to a high-scoring game with both offenses capable of lighting up the scoreboard.
Jalen Hurts and Kirk Cousins both have weapons at their disposal in both the backfield and on the outside. Will either defense be able to contain their opponent’s offense? The Eagles struggled against the ground game of the Lions while the Vikings had their way through the air against the Packers. This game could easily get into the 60+ points combined range.
Here are the 3 keys for the Philadelphia Eagles to beat the Minnesota Vikings in their Week 2 matchup.
Eagles Must Run, Run and Run Some More
The key to this Eagles offense is running the ball. Against the Lions, the Eagles racked up 216 yards and 4 touchdowns. They will need more of the same against the Vikings. Last week against the Packers, the Vikings surrendered 118 yards on just 18 carries. If the Eagles can get into the range of 30+ carries, this could be a long day for the Vikings’ defense. The Eagles will throw out Miles Sanders (96 yards) and QB Jalen Hurts (90 yards) but the key will be if either Boston Scott or Kenneth Gainwell can get some traction going.
Contain Justin Jefferson
Easier said than done, right? Jefferson has emerged as one of the top receivers in the NFL and the kid is only in his 3rd season. He’s a complete beast on the field. Against the Packers, Jefferson snagged 9 passes on 11 targets for 184 yards and 2 TDs. Containing Jefferson will more than likely fall on the shoulder of Darius Slay Jr. Since coming to the Eagles, Slay Jr has been matched up against the opponent’s best and he has not disappointed. Kirk Cousins is expected to air it out this game and the play of Slay Jr will go a long way to determine the outcome of this game.
Put The Clamps On The Vikings Ground Game
This offseason, the Eagles’ goal was to beef up their front seven. against the Lions in week 1, it appears they need to go back to the drawing board. the Eagles’ defense surrendered 181 yards and 3 TDs on the ground to the Lions. Deandre Swift did most of the damage with 15 carries for 144 yards and 1 score. In order for the eagles to leave Week 2 undefeated, they will need to stop Dalvin Cook. Against the Packers, Cook registered 90 yards on 20 carries while Alexander Mattison raked up 36 yards on 8 carries. If the Eagles can fix their holes against the Vikings, this should amount to another win.
