Eagles to Be Shorthanded vs. Vikings on TNF
The Philadelphia Eagles outlasted the New England Patriots on Sunday, 25-20, a road victory to start 2023 that some Eagles faithful weren’t necessarily impressed by.
Eagles to Be Shorthanded vs. Vikings on TNF
The Philadelphia Inquirer described the win, “The Eagles eked out a 25-20 win against the New England Patriots, surviving a failed comeback attempt. Despite the win, the birds have some reason for concern on offense.”
Outwardly, defeating a Bill Belichick-led team on the road is commendable, but for the Eagles high expectations, the win appears to be a survive-and-advance affair.
And when the Minnesota Vikings come to town in three days, the Eagles defense may be a bit shorthanded. The Philadelphia Inquirer also reported Monday, “Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean is expected to miss multiple weeks with a foot injury. James Bradberry is in concussion protocol and could miss Thursday’s game.”
Bradberry is a starting cornerback, and Dean starts at middle linebacker. The Vikings, who lost Sunday to the not-too-feared Tampa Bay Buccaneers, might encounter a watered-down Philadelphia defense.
Bradberry was a 2nd-Team All-Pro last year in Philadelphia and a Pro Bowler for the New York Giants in 2020. He’s not just “some guy” the Eagles could be without; he’s a fantastic partner to Philadelphia’s other marvelous cornerback, Darius Slay.
In Week 1, the Eagles defense ranked 10th in the business per EPA/Play and 13th via DVOA, sacking Mac Jones twice and allowing just 20 points on the road.
Dean is newer to the league than Bradberry, drafted in Round 3 by the Eagles 17 months ago. He tallied a wonderful 78.7 Pro Football Focus grade as a rookie, especially excelling in pass coverage with a 75.8 score. But he only played 34 defensive snaps in 2022, showcased more as a special teams performer. He hoped to fully blossom as a sophomore, which will have to wait indefinitely due to the foot injury.
The next man up at Dean’s spot Thursday night could be former Viking, Christian Elliss. At cornerback, the Eagles would likely pivot to cornerback Josh Jobe or rookie Kelee Ringo.
The Vikings are 2-2 against Philadelphia in the last four matchups, including the 2017 NFC Championship. Christian Darrisaw (LT), Garrett Bradbury (C), and Marcus Davenport (OLB) popped up on Minnesota’s first injury report Monday.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sal Spice. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band).
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
You must be logged in to post a comment.