By: Kylan Watson
After falling to the New York Giants last Thursday night, the Philadelphia Eagles had 10 days off to get right in all phases of the game. They faced the Minnesota Vikings who were desperate for a victory, Philly finally unlocked their passing game to beat the Vikings 28-22 to secure their fifth victory of the season and end their two-game losing streak.
The Eagles were able to find their offensive rhythm early in this contest, on an early fourth down gamble Jalen Hurts (completed 19/23 pass attempts, for 326 yards, and completed three touchdown passes) (Third quarterback in Eagles history with a perfect passer rating) found a streaking AJ Brown for his first of two touchdown receptions in this game. Brown (4 receptions for 121 yards and caught two touchdown passes in this contest) was able to burn the single coverage he saw throughout this contest and remind everyone that he is still a top receiver in the league when he is catching the ball.
Hurts did a great job of spreading the ball around today as 304 of his 326 yards in this game were earned through throwing the ball to Brown and DeVonta Smith (9 receptions for 193 yards and one touchdown reception). When both receivers score a touchdown and have over 100 yards each in a contest the Eagles are undefeated (13-0). It really helps the Eagles offensive scheme to find away to take full advantage of having the best wide receiver duo in the league.
There was nothing Minnesota could do to stop them in the passing game; the offensive line held up throughout this contest and gave Hurts enough time to diagnose and find the holes in their defensive scheme. This is something that had not happened in their last two contests. Additionally, Hurts bailed his offensive line out at least two times in this contest in one sequence, he was able to break contain on a crucial third down conversion to find Brown who caught the ball to keep the scoring drive going. Philly was able to convert enough crucial plays in this contest to win this game.
The 10 days off really benefited the Eagles defensive unit they look so much better with Jalen Carter and Quinyon Mitchell playing in this contest. Carter blew up Carson Wentz and forced an interception that turned into a touchdown return for Jalyx Hunt. This touchdown return ended up being the difference in this contest, they forced Wentz to throw one more interception in this contest. Philly could not turn this second turnover into points, but the Eagles need to do all they can to create pressure and get healthy they look like the best team in football when they are able to make the opposing quarterback feel them throughout an entire game.
The Eagles still need to fix their rushing game which was one of the few negatives in this contest. Multiple members of their offensive line are dealing with nagging injuries, and the rushing game improved today with Landon Dickerson playing in this contest. However, the offensive line must bully the opposing defensive line which has not happened throughout an entire contest all season. Early in this contest the offensive line imposed their will, and it led to explosive runs from Saquon Barkley and Tank Bigsby, but then they were stopped through the other three quarters. Philly needs to find that balance or use more run pass options or screens to open the rushing lanes for Barkley.
Philly will now prepare to face the New York Giants in Philadelphia next Sunday afternoon. The Eagles will need to make Jaxson Dart feel them early in the game, something they did not do last week, and cannot let him break contain. The Eagles defensive unit has struggled to contain mobile quarterbacks throughout this season, so they may need to use a spy or send multiple blitzers to ensure that they can get him on the ground. Additionally, they should use crossing and slant routes to attack the Giants defensive scheme over the middle and really open their passing game. Implementing these things into their game plan next week should help the Eagles win their sixth game of the season.
