How Can the Vikings Shock the Eagles?
Ted Schwerzler
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The Minnesota Vikings are on a quick turnaround as they play Thursday night in Philadelphia against an Eagles franchise that has had their number. As six-point underdogs, Kevin O’Connell’s team will be up against it, but how can they emerge victorious?
How Can the Vikings Shock the Eagles?
Assuming the Vikings go into the city of greased street poles and come out with a win is never a good bet. It’s even less predictable when Minnesota is coming off a Week 1 loss against a lesser Tampa Bay team and will be missing some key players in this contest. However, they play the games for a reason, and O’Connell will look to have his team ready for action.
If Minnesota is going to pull off the upset, a few key things must go their way.
The Offensive Line Must Hold Strong
The Vikings are going to be thin up front on Thursday night. Garrett Bradbury has already been ruled out for the game, and left tackle Christian Darrisaw is questionable. While the group can be good when they are all healthy, this is now an immediate weakness. Ed Ingram looked poor again during Week 1, and he caused one of Kirk Cousins’ fumbles.
Philadelphia took Jalen Carter with the ninth overall pick, and he’ll be salivating at the chance to easily take down Cousins. Minnesota will have to scheme ways for the ball to get out quickly, and additional pass protection will be a must. If Minnesota is going to have any chance at pulling the upset, it will start up front.
Jefferson Must Slay the Dragon
Last year, Darius Slay got the best of Justin Jefferson. The Eagles cornerback shut down the talented Vikings wide receiver, which stifled the offense. Minnesota brought in both T.J. Hockenson and Jordan Addison, hoping to force a defense to key in on other players. Jefferson will still see shadow coverage, but he has to win at a higher rate.
It seems unlikely that the Vikings will win should Jefferson come up with less than 50 yards in this game again. Slay is one of the best corners across the entirety of the NFL, but Jefferson will need to get revenge and force him to have an off game.
Jalen Hurts Can’t Run the Show
Philadelphia employs one of the best young quarterbacks in the game. Jalen Hurts is talented with his arm and legs, but Minnesota can’t let him have his way with them. A season ago, he found the end zone multiple times. Last week against the Patriots, New England kept the passing game in check.
Maybe the Vikings will have to sell out one way or the other, but they certainly can’t afford to get burnt on both ends. With Brian Flores showing somewhat of a mixed bag for his defense last week, this is a great opportunity for the unit to make a statement.
A Star Must Emerge
Pulling an upset requires something unexpected to happen. For Minnesota, that could come in a handful of different ways. Maybe Addison has a coming out game, or perhaps Alexander Mattison can wash away week one and rack up yardage in droves. On the defensive side, there should be ample opportunity for a corner to make their mark, and maybe Brian Asamoah establishes his last performance as something of an outlier.
No matter who it is, the Vikings will need to get an eyebrow-raising performance out of someone, and that means production will be noteworthy.
Hopefully, Minnesota can overcome the Eagles stranglehold on them and come home with a victory.
Ted Schwerzler is a blogger from the Twin Cities that is focused on all things Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He’s active on Twitter and writes weekly for Twins Daily. As a former college athlete and avid sports fan, covering our pro teams with a passion has always seemed like such a natural outlet.
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