DeSean Jackson. LeSean McCoy and the Eagles bid for their sixth straight win against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. (Photo Courtesy of ESPN.com)
Following the Snow Bowl and the taming of the Detroit Lions a week ago, the Philadelphia Eagles travel to face a dome team in their traditional setting. The Minnesota Vikings (3-9-1) await the Eagles (8-5).
This is the potential dangerous trap game for the Eagles. They are riding a high this season following the excitement of their 34-20 win over the Lions, marking the fifth straight win for the team. All signs point to a sixth in Minnesota.
That's where this game becomes important. The Eagles have become accustomed to home cooking at Lincoln Financial Field, and after snapping a long 10-game home losing streak against the Redskins, this is the only away game on the remaining schedule that wasn't against a non-division opponent.
Additionally, personnel could be at a premium. The Vikings might be without Adrian Peterson, who is listed as questionable with a groin injury. Peterson and Toby Gerhart, also questionable for today's game, combine to give the Vikings the seventh-best running game in the NFL.
A late-night report on Saturday signaled that both would ne unavailable today, stating Peterson was definitely out while Gerhart was unlikely to play. Whether or not that's true may be known closer to gametime. If it is true, expect to see a lot of Matt Asiata and Joe Banyard.
Due to Peterson's early exit from last Sunday's game against the Baltimore Ravens, the Eagles own LeSean McCoy vaulted to the NFL's leading spot in rushing yards. Of course, McCoy finished with a new franchise record a week ago.
If the questionable status of both Peterson and Gerhart affects the running game, the Vikings will be forced to rely on the passing game. Minnesota has been stuck in a quarterback quandry of sorts, giving starts to both Christian Ponder and Matt Cassel.
Their passing game ranks 22nd in the NFL, giving the Eagles pass defense, ranked 31st in the NFL in yards allowed, a lighter test than the previous two weeks with the likes of Larry Fitzgerald and Calvin Johnson. However, receivers Greg Jennings, Jerome Simpson, Cordarrelle Patterson and Jarius Wright and tight end Rhett Ellison are always to be factors. There are weapons around the field for Cassel, who has started at quarterback the last two weeks for the Vikings.
McCoy will obviously be a target for the Vikings defense after his record-breaking performance a week ago. But after having to eliminate the passing game in the snow last Sunday, the Eagles passing offense dropped from ninth to 13th in the NFL, hardly a reflection of the Eagles true offense. The elements won't play a factor this week.
Spread throughout the Eagles offense will be plenty of receivers that will look to make an impact without the weather factor. DeSean Jackson caught the lone touchdown pass of the game last Sunday while Riley Cooper played a role with a couple of important catches.
With his first interception overwith, Nick Foles will simply try to be more of a factor again. His adjustments, though important to the win, factored out the passing game. That could change greatly this week.
Ultimately, the game will still fall on the defense, especially the linemen and linebackers. Players like Connor Barwin, Trent Cole, Fletcher Cox and others who have helped stop the run while forcing turnovers have played key roles in recent weeks.
Game Notes
- The Eagles and Vikings are tied in the all-time series between the two, 12-12.
- Last Meeting: 12/28/10 – Vikings 24, Eagles 14
- The Eagles have won five of their last six games in Minnesota including the previous two at Mall of America Field.
- The Eagles are five plays of 20 or more yards from setting a new franchise record of 85 on the season.
- The Eagles are 5-1 on the road, tied with the Kansas City Chiefs for the best record on the road in the NFL.
Injury Report
Philadelphia Eagles
Doubtful
- LB Najee Goode (hamstring)
- S Earl Wolff (knee)
Probable
- CB Cary Williams (hamstring)
- CB Brandon Boykin (hip)
Minnesota Vikings
Out
- TE John Carlson (concussion)
- CB Josh Robinson (chest)
Doubtful
- G Brandon Fusco (knee)
- CB Xavier Rhodes (ankle)
Questionable
- RB Adrian Peterson (groin)
- CB Chris Cook (knee)
- RB Toby Gerhart (hamstring)
Probable
- LB Chad Greenway (wrist)
- LB Larry Dean (knee)
Where to Watch
TV: FOX (Broadcasters: Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston, Tony Siragusa)
Radio: 94 WIP (Broadcasters: Merrill Reese, Mike Quick, Howard Eskin)
Kevin Durso is a contributor for Eagledelphia. Look for his Monday Review the morning after every Eagles game. Follow him on twitter @KDursoPhilsNet.
