Philadelphia Eagles' Game Against The Minnesota Vikings - Everything You Need To Know
Philadelphia Eagles' game against the Minnesota Vikingsand here's everything you need to know about. The Minnesota Vikings will aim to get their season started when they visit the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday Night Footballthis week.
The Vikings Unable To Steal Victory
The Vikings suffered a heartbreaking 20-17 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneersin their season opener and will seek to rebound in Philly. Meanwhile, the Eagles will try to remain unblemished in their quest for a second consecutive Super Bowl berth.
The host team squandered many opportunities to demonstrate its dominance before succumbing to a Chase McLaughlin field goal, which clinched the Bucs' victory. Kirk Cousins of the Minnesota Vikings passed for 344 yards and two touchdowns but will be frustrated that one interception prevented his team from continuing and proved expensive.
Despite not being at their best, the Philadelphia Eagles won 25-20 over the New England Patriots in Week 1. There will be everything to play for at Lincoln Financial Field on Thursday night, with both clubs trying to improve on their season debuts.
Eagles Not Soaring Just Yet
The Eagles had great expectations going into the new season. Philadelphia advanced to Super Bowl LVIIafter defeating the San Francisco 49ers in the National FootballConference (NFC) Championship game, led by outstanding quarterback Jalen Hurts.
While the Eagles fell to Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs on the big stage, the youthful club performed admirably in an exciting contest, with Philadelphia's offense particularly efficient on the night. However, the Birds failed to get going in their Week 1 victory over the Patriots.
Darius Slay's 70-yard pick-6 got the Eagles off to a fast start. DeVonta Smith then scored again late in the first quarter, giving Philadelphia a 16-0 advantage after one quarter.
Outside of the frenetic first 15 minutes, the Eagles had to rely on kicker Jake Elliott for the rest of their points as their offensive zeal faded against a stout Patriots defense. Philadelphia will be aware that it got away with something at Gillette Stadium and will need to improve if it is to build on last year's victory.
The Eagles Rule Out
Three crucial Eagles playershave been declared out of Thursday's home opener against the Vikings: running back Kenneth Gainwell, cornerback James Bradberry, and safety Reed Blankenship.
Bradberry is still in concussion protocol, while Gainwell and Blankenship have rib problems. Fletcher Cox, a defensive tackle, has a rib ailment and is categorized as doubtful.
The loss of Gainwell, who led the club with 14 carries against the New England Patriots in Week 1, could give D'Andre Swift a greater role. Swift's involvement was already on coach Nick Sirianni's radar after he ended with only two touches in the opening.
“„He'll be in that role sometimes where he carries the load for the game, and he'll be in the role sometimes like he was in the last game. We don't ever want to come out with him only having those many touches.- Nick Sirianni
Boston Scott and Rashaad Penny, who was sidelined last week, could get action as well. Without Bradberry, a second-team All-Pro last season, the Eagles will likely turn to Josh Jobe, a second-year cornerback out of Alabama.
Blankenship's absence further thins out the secondary. The other safeties on the roster are Justin Evans, Terrell Edmunds, and rookie Sydney Brown, who may all see action against a Vikings offense that includes receiver Justin Jefferson and tight end T.J. Hockenson.
The Eagles placed linebacker Nakobe Dean (foot) on injured reserve earlier this week. With two susceptible positions – linebacker and safety – more weakened, the Patriots targeted the center of the field against the Eagles on Sunday, led by tight end Hunter Henry, who finished with five catches for 56 yards and a score.
What To Look Out For?
If the Vikings are to shock the Eagles, they will need to incorporate standout wide receiver Justin Jefferson as much as possible. Jefferson, the reigning NFL offensive player of the year, got off to a hot start this season.
The 24-year-old had seven receptions for 138 yards against the Bucs in the first half but only two more for 12 yards in the second. Jefferson will need to come back with a good performanceagainst one of the league's top cornerbacks, Darius Slay.
Final Words
Jefferson will most likely face Slay on Thursday night, and the Eagle CB shut down Jefferson last year with a fantastic defensive performance. As the two stars square off in Philadelphia, this may be the game of Thursday Night Football.