Eagles vs. Vikings preseason Week 3: Five storylines fans must monitor

We typically dedicate our Saturdays in the fall for college football. We will do so again on August 24 as we prepare for Week 0. We wonder if Josh Sweat is recording that Florida State game. He'll be busy at about 1 pm EST though. The Philadelphia Eagles have a final preseason game to play. They welcome the Minnesota Vikings to Lincoln Financial Field.

This is the finale. This is the end of the preseason journey, the coup de grâce. Philly's third preseason game is a home affair. It won't count against the regular-season win-loss total , but don't tell the Philly faithful that. They'll be in full throat like its Week 3.

Here are five subplots that we'll be following.

Come on Kenny Pickett! You have to show us something!

Whether it be the eyeball test or the worry that comes from hearing people state the same things constantly, something has become obvious. Faith in Kenny Pickett has waned.

We thought the Eagles had upgraded their backup quarterback position by adding him. After all, nothing could be worse than Marcus Mariota, right? Two preseason games and a few unfavorable training camp reports later, we're more fearful than we once were... if we're being honest.

Come on Kenny! You have to show us something. Anything positive would be appreciated.

Does Patrick Johnson have a few more good plays in him?

Patrick Johnson came up with a game-changing strip-sack in Week 1. He almost had another in Week 2 as he created pressure, grabbed hold of the opposing team's quarterback, and almost forced him into throwing an interception.

Bryce Huff, Josh Sweat, Nolan Smith, Brandon Graham, and Jalyx Hunt will all make this team. The question is this. Will the Eagles keep six edge rushers instead of five? If they do, Patrick needs to be the sixth.

He's also valuable on special teams. He has that working in his favor. Can he come up with a few more big plays to force Philly to open a roster spot for them.

Can Joseph Ngata and E.J. Jenkins build off last week?

Joseph Ngata and E.J. Jenkins had the game of their lives during the Eagles' second preseason game as they tied for the team lead in receptions. That's what they needed to have happen. Now, they have to build upon what we saw. They can't take a step backward.

E.J. probably has a better chance of making the roster-man than Joseph does. The latter's ceiling might be a spot on the practice squad. The good news is both have done what they set out to do.

They have grabbed the attention of their coaches. They're in a better position now than they were in during the final week of July. Now, they just need to finish strong.

How much should we take from these defensive performances?

Did you notice what the defense has been doing? Philly held the Baltimore Ravens to 13 points and 164 offensive yards in the first preseason game. They held the Patriots to 13 points and 159 total yards in the second. They have racked up six sacks in the process.

What are we supposed to take from this?

Philly's defense has mostly played backups and guys that won't be on the Ravens and Patriots' rosters two weeks from now. Then again, you can only play who lines up in front of you. The defense has done its job well. We may be onto something here.

There are jobs on the line. Who's going to earn one?

Most of the roster spots have been filled. Heck, most of the roster spots were filled before the Eagles took the field to play in a preseason game, but there are a few jobs that are still available.

Who is going to ball out and claim them? Who will play so well the leave the Eagles no choice but to keep them?