Eagles versus Vikings: 5 matchups to watch on Monday Night Football

It’s a theory that has been able to stand the test that comes with time. It’s also simple and complex at its core. In the NFL, every week, the individual games on the schedule come down to matchups. In the final game of pro football’s second week, they’re aplenty in a clash featuring the Philadelphia Eagles and Minnesota Vikings.

Let’s not waste a ton of time. Here are five that we’ll be eyeing closely.

The team that wins more of the individual battles figures to win a war between the Eagles and Vikings.

This game has been discussed over and over. It’s been dissected all week. Here’s what we’ve learned.

Both teams have a huge opportunity to gain some momentum. Arguments can be made that both teams have an advantage. No one should be shocked regardless of what the outcome winds up being.

Jalen Hurts versus the Vikings defense

Jalen Hurts was up to the challenge in Week 1. Say what you will, but if nothing else, we’ve learned that he can put the offense on his back and move the ball with consistency. The Vikes will provide a stiffer challenge in Week 2 than the Detroit Lions provided in Week 1.

Christian Darrisaw versus Josh Sweat

Christian Darrisaw, the 23rd-overall selection in the 2021 NFL Draft is the man charged with protecting Kirk Cousins’ blindside. The expectation is he’ll see a lot of Josh Sweat in this one.

Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen versus Darius Slay and James Bradberry

Throw this one in the ‘obvious’ category. Justin Jefferson can shift a game’s momentum with a single play, and historically, Kirk Cousins has carved the Eagles up. Adam Thielen, Minnesota’s other outside receiver is no slouch either. Darius Slay and James Bradberry will have their hands full all evening.

The questions are about whether or not Jonathan Gannon will be conservative or allow his guys to man up and play aggressively.

The Eagles passing attack versus the Vikings’ secondary

One good turn deserves another. Perhaps you’ve heard, but the Eagles have a few playmakers at the wide receiver position too. Something tells us that DeVonta Smith won’t be shut out in this one.

Philadelphia will need his best effort. The Vikes are loaded in the secondary with Patrick Peterson, Cameron Dantzler Sr., and Harrison Smith.

Jonathan Gannon versus J.G.

When you have a moment, give rap legend T.I.’s T.I. vs. T.I.P. album a listen. It’s a 22-track journey into a conflicted man’ thought process. It also reminds us of Jonthan Gannon a.k.a. J.G.

In all honesty, we have no idea what Gannon is thinking on the football field sometimes, but we kind of like J.G. We think the latter is the guy that shows up at press conferences. Or is it the other way around?

Here’s what we’re trying to say. The Eagles’ defense has stars everywhere. The excuses are over for their defensive coordinator. He’s the only person that can hold this unit back from being elite, and by the looks of things, there are times when his approach to playcalling is doing exactly that… holding this team back. He has to be better in Week 2, or his approval rating will continue to plummet.