Adrian Peterson, second in rushing yards this season to LeSean McCoy, is reportedly out for Sunday's game. (Photo Courtesy of ESPN.com)
On paper, it lacks the excitement that some of the previous Philadelphia Eagles games have. However, it is still another game, and the most important thing for the Eagles may be playing through the game, not looking past it.
Sure, they can assure they aren't looking past the lowly 3-9-1 Minnesota Vikings. But this game is still important. It's important because the rest of the NFL – and more importantly the NFC East – has to play. It's important because a loss could put the Eagles back at square one while a win would put all the pressure on the Dallas Cowboys to win, because their season could depend on it.
With that, here are six things to watch on Sunday:
Leading Back vs. the Backups? - If Adrian Peterson plays, like LeSean McCoy would like, then this matchup becomes all the more intriguing. Who wouldn't want that – the NFL's top two rushers facing each other? The Vikings all-pro running back is currently listed as questionable for the game, but did take the Vikings' day-before walkthrough. That still may not be enough according to one report late Saturday that ruled Peterson out. If he plays, all attention goes to the running games of both teams. The Eagles boast the NFL's best running game behind McCoy. The Vikings have a nice tandem in Peterson and Toby Gerhart. But with both running backs questionable due to injury, and possibly unlikely to play, this easily favors the Eagles.
Bounce Back Game for Foles - Nick Foles struggled his way through the first half of last Sunday's game against the Lions then rallied in the second half to start the Eagles come-from-behind win. Chip Kelly's adjustments – straying from the passing game – helped the Eagles win. Sometimes that's what it takes. With the weather out of the picture this week, Foles will be looking for a strong start to the Eagles now 13th-ranked passing game.
Dome Football - This is a rarity for the Eagles, a game against a dome team in their home. The reason this is so important is not because the Eagles aren't familiar with playing in a dome, but because of the supposed preparations Kelly has made to the Eagles. Kelly apparently tried to create game scenarios during Eagles practices this week, with speakers blaring the Viking horn and generating tons of volume. If the preparations work, there will be no home-field advantage for the Vikings.
Stopping the Run - Whether Peterson plays or not, it has to be assumed the Eagles will be facing a shifty back. Regardless of who is in the backfield, one of the Eagles strengths of recent weeks has been stopping the run – the Eagles are 16th in run defense – and forcing turnovers. That will create a pretty big responsibility on the line and linebackers that have to find ways to stop Peterson and Gerhart.
Turnovers - In the game against the Lions, time of possession and turnovers were even more valuable because the team that had longer to score and protected the ball would likely find a way to win. That was true. But the Eagles have been a good football team for that very reason. They protect the football. This game could be easy for some to overlook. In that case, this is the game where even a turnover or two could haunt the Eagles. Protecting the ball still remains the focal point of success.
Avoid the Trap Game - This could be the most important game remaining for the Eagles. Obviously, they are the better team on paper. But this NFL season has proven that the "Any Given Sunday" cliche is alive and well. Every week has been a test for the Eagles. But as they were following the game against the Oakland Raiders in Week 9, they are riding the high of a big win the week before. They are gaining attention nationally. Nick Foles graced the cover of Sports Illustrated. The team's odds to win the Super Bowl improved this week. Just as the nation has started to shift attention to the Eagles, they can't make them turn away the week after. The Eagles have assured they aren't getting caught up in the hype. But now is the time to cement their status as a true contender for more than just a division crown in the NFL's weakest division.
Kevin Durso is a contributor for Eagledelphia. Look for his Monday Review the morning after every Eagles game. Follow him on twitter @KDursoPhilsNet.
