Eagles versus Minnesota Vikings: 10 opposing players to watch during Philly's home opener
Can Sean Desai's unit put the pressure on the Vikings?
Typically, when we discuss Minnesota, we're talking about offense. That figures to be the case again. Don't let the 17-point total fool you. These guys can put up some points
Here are a handful of guys to watch. In short, if the Eagles team can limit these guys, they may be able to coast to a second win.
1. Kirk Cousins, quarterback
Kirk Cousins isn't the perfect quarterback prospect by any means, nor will he ever be. He has, however, had some success versus Philly.
In ten career games versus the Eagles, seven with Washington and three with Minnesota, he has constructed a 6-4 record. Ladies and gentlemen, this isn't a walkthrough by any means.
2. Justin Jefferson, wide receiver
Ahead of the Eagles' 2022 home-opener, one of the subplots we couldn't stop discussing was a head-to-head matchup featuring Darius Slay and Justin Jefferson. Big Play Slay won that battle handily.
Jefferson notched six receptions for 48 yards, but Slay broke up five passes and hauled in two interceptions. We expect Justin to walk into this one seeking revenge, but if the Eagles leave the middle of the field open as they did in Week 1, the Vikes' all-world receiver will feast.
3. Alexander Mattison
Don't forget about that Vikings running game! Dalvin Cook is gone, but Alexander Mattison, though not as talented, is good enough to create issues. The Eagles will need to dedicate defensive resources to stopping him.
4. T.J. Hockenson, tight end
Good tight ends were a problem for Jonathan Gannon's defensive scheme, and by the looks of things, they may cause some issue for Sean Desai. T.J. Hockenson is definitely someone to watch. He finished second behind Jefferson in receptions during Minnesota's first game.
5. The wild card: Christian Darrisaw... Will he play?
Christian Darrisaw is questionable, but he is the man charged with protecting Kirk Cousins' blind side. Enough said. Watch the battle in the trenches as the Eagles will, no doubt, want to get their pass rush on track. Olisaemeka Udoh or David Quessenberry will start if he doesn't.