Eagles vs. Vikings: Top 11 Winners, 4 Key Losers, and 7 Uncertainties to Watch!

What do you think about the Philadelphia Eagles?

After losing a couple of games, they bounced back by defeating the Minnesota Vikings. Now, if they beat the New York Giants next week, they could be 6-2 going into their bye. That’s not a bad position to be in.

But does their record reflect how good they really are? Sixteen teams have better point differentials, and they ranked 15th in DVOA before Week 7. Are the Eagles a mediocre team in the middle of a competitive NFL?

On the bright side, Jalen Hurts played exceptionally well against the Vikings, showing he can lead the team. It’s also worth mentioning that Philadelphia has faced one of the toughest schedules this season.

Was the win a sign of progress? Maybe. At least they didn’t take a step back.

Hurts has a knack for stepping up in crucial games. Although this was just a regular season matchup, after two losses, it was essential for him to perform well. He faced pressure, especially coming off a disappointing game in Week 6, and he delivered. Hurts threw impressive passes and made critical plays when needed, even against a strong defense.

The Eagles have traditionally focused on their running game, especially with Saquon Barkley last season. However, this year, they might want to lean more on Hurts and the passing game to open up opportunities for their run attack.

Wide receiver DeVonta Smith had a fantastic game, recording a career-high 183 yards—no player this season has more receiving yards in a single game. He made big plays, even while dealing with some discomfort. The Eagles should continue to feature him prominently in their passing game. A.J. Brown also made significant contributions with four catches for 121 yards and two touchdowns.

Defensively, the Eagles made significant plays. Jalyx Hunt caught a pick-six off former Eagle Carson Wentz, showing how much pressure can dictate the game’s outcome. However, consistency has been an issue for their defense this season.

In terms of red zone defense, the Eagles allowed a hefty 387 yards but managed to limit the Vikings to just one touchdown in six trips. It wasn’t ideal, but it showcases their resilience.

On the health front, Cam Jurgens left early due to a knee injury, which could be a concern moving forward. The Eagles need to tighten their roster, especially with Adoree’ Jackson potentially out due to a concussion.

Stepping back to Wentz, he has had a challenging season. He struggled against the Eagles, leaving opportunities on the field, and managing his turnovers has been a big issue. Though he has some historical importance to the Eagles, fans may find solace in seeing him struggle against his former team.

Looking ahead, Coach Nick Sirianni has some tough choices to make. His decision to give up on a late drive in the first half raised eyebrows and could reflect a lack of confidence in the offense despite its star power. It’s crucial for him to trust his players and create a winning culture.

As the season unfolds, the Eagles must capitalize on their talent and overcome coaching challenges. The recent victory could be a pivotal moment for their season, but they must maintain the momentum.

In sum, they showed promise against the Vikings, but only time will tell if they can truly turn things around. There’s potential for this team to be more than average; they just need to harness it effectively.



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Philadelphia Eagles scores & results