Here’s how Philadelphia Eagles defense limits Minnesota in Week 6
By Brian Cass
Can the Philadelphia Eagles’ defense recreate the magic of Week 5 when they take on the Minnesota Vikings?
The Philadelphia Eagles defense had a coming-out party with a dominating performance against the New York Jets on Sunday. That’s led just about everyone to the same question. Will they be able to keep it going against Kirk Cousins and the Minnesota Vikings offense this week?
Facing a third-string rookie quarterback with a struggling offensive line, the Eagles defense was supposed to dominate their matchup with the Jets, and they did. They tallied ten total sacks. They forced three turnovers, and they recorded two defensive touchdowns en route to a decisive 31-6 victory.
This week’s matchup in Minnesota won’t be nearly as easy.
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Led by third-year running back Dalvin Cook, Minnesota boasts a lethal rushing attack. They’ve totaled 832 rushing yards this year, good for second-most in the NFL, but their passing game hasn’t been nearly as prolific.
Nobody can deny the talent the Vikings have in their receiving corps. Both Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs are Pro Bowl-caliber pass catchers. They just haven’t put up great numbers this season due to their offense’s reliance on the running game.
The x-factor for the Vikings offense in this matchup will be quarterback Kirk Cousins, who’s had an up-and-down season. Putting the game on his shoulders and forcing Cousins to beat them should be the Eagles’ plan of attack.
Jim Schwartz’s bunch has been dominant against the run this season, allowing the fewest rushing yards of any team in the league. It may be overly optimistic to think the Eagles will completely shut down Cook and the Vikings’ run game, but slowing it down is certainly a possibility and they should be able to pull it off.
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Cousins has yet to win a game where he’s been forced to throw the ball more than 30 times this season. The Vikings offense goes as Cook goes, so slowing him down is the biggest key to an Eagles victory this Sunday.
If the Eagles can jump out to an early lead and render the Vikings’ rushing attack useless, Philly should walk out U.S Bank Stadium victorious.