Preview: Eagles Face Vikings in Rematch of NFC Championship Game

By Gia Lanci, Sports Talk Philly Staff

The Eagles are coming off a tough loss. Both the offense and defense struggled against the Titans. The offensive line failed to protect Carson Wentz. The secondary neglected to cover their men. The injuries are a recurring issue with the Eagles having some key players continue to be inactive. The injuries are still no excuse for a poorly executed game.

A Competitive Battle

When the Eagles faced off against the Vikings in the NFC Championship last season, the Eagles came out on top. The underdogs beat the Vikings, 38-7. The game started off nerve racking for Eagles fans, when Case Keenum and the Vikings came out and scored a touchdown with their first drive. But after that, they didn’t score again thanks to the stellar Eagles defense.

Since the Vikings quarterback is now Kirk Cousins, the Eagles are familiar with his play style. He is a previous divisional quarterback who came over from the Washington Redskins in the offseason. The Eagles should be prepared to go against him.

Stepping Up To The Plate

The Eagles defensie was unable to stop many passing plays last week, especially when Mariota passed the ball quickly. Mariota also likes to scramble. In contrast, Kirk Cousins is a pocket passer. If the defensive line can get to him, that should be beneficial to the Eagles.

The offense was able to execute a lot of good plays last week, but the offensive line could not protect Wentz. He got hit way too many times in the last two weeks, especially because he only came off his injury a few weeks ago. Lane Johnson was really struggling with protection. Jason Peters also was struggling and caused a few penalties, further hurting the Eagles in the recent games. They need to step up and protect Carson from the defense so he can do his job.

Injury Report

Eagles

Out

RB Darren Sproles and DE Derek Barnett

Darren Sproles is still out with an ongoing hamstring injury. Derek Barnett is out with a shoulder injury.

Questionable

RB Corey Clement and DT Haloti Ngata

With Barnett out and Ngata questionable, the defense needs all the help they can get. Michael Bennett may see an increase in playing time if he plays inside as Destiny Vaeao is the only regular rotational piece the Eagles have been using on the inside.

Corey Clement is questionable and did not practice much this week. Wendell Smallwood has been putting in the work he and Sproles were out.

Vikings

Out

DEs Tashawn Bower and Everson Griffen

This will affect their defensive having two defensive ends out because of injury. The offesive line should benefit from having both rushers out.

CBs Marcus Sherels and Trae Waynes

The Vikings secondary is beat up and thin, so the passing game should be there for the Eagles. Alshon Jeffery should be able to take the most advantage of this.

Questionable

RB Dalvin Cook

Dalvin Cook is the Vikings starting RB. He was questionable before their game in week 4 and played. He most likely will play just like last week.

Broadcast Information

Time: 4:25 PM

TV: FOX

Radio: 94.1 FM WIP

Online: NFL Game Pass