4 Vikings storylines to watch in Week 2 vs. Eagles
Last season, the Minnesota Vikings faced the Philadelphia Eagles in week two on Monday night at Lincoln Financial Field. Things didn’t go very well for them as they lost the game 24-7.
This season, the Vikings take on the Eagles in week two at Lincoln Financial Field, but this time the game is on Thursday night.
Going into the game, the Vikings don’t have a 1-0 record like they did last season, as they lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20-17.
As the Vikings prepare for the defending Super Bowl runner-up, there are plenty of things to be positive about. Earlier on Wednesday, our staff each picked one player to watch in Thursday’s game and here we picked one storyline to watch.
Managing Editor Tyler Forness: Can the Vikings secondary man up with A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith?
The Vikings secondary is a talented group. They have some really good players across the board along with exponential potential. They will face a tremendous test with All-Pro A.J. Brown and Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith, who have both been excellent with the Eagles. How will they be able to handle their route running prowess and Brown’s physicality? They did relatively well against Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, but Jalen Hurts is on a different level at quarterback than Baker Mayfield is. That could be the biggest key to a Vikings victory on Thursday night.
Columnist Judd Zulgad: What does the offensive line look like?
The Vikings gave up two sacks against the Buccaneers, and there remain plenty of questions about the interior of the line. Right guard Ed Ingram had a few miscues, including playing a role in a Cousins fumble in the first half, and center Garrett Bradbury left the game early because of a back issue. That means Austin Schlottmann is likely to get the start against the Eagles.
Why could this be a problem? Well, the Eagles had an NFL-leading 70 sacks last season, 15 more than the second-place Kansas City Chiefs. Philadelphia had two sacks against the Patriots and will provide the Vikings with a significant test. It doesn’t help that left tackle Christian Darrisaw is dealing with an ankle injury that caused him to leave Sunday’s game for a few series.
Columnist Kevin Fielder: Vikings defensive line
The Philadelphia Eagles have arguably the best offensive line in the country, which will place a large amount of stress on the Vikings defensive line. Nose tackle Khyiris Tonga played limited snaps against Tampa Bay, but he might be a crucial part to the Vikings plans against Philadelphia. Even if he isn’t, the Vikings defensive line will have to find ways to create pressure and cause havoc if they want to win this game.
Columnist Saivion Mixson: How much will the Vikings blitz Jalen Hurts?
The Minnesota Vikings defense sent 19 blitzes at the Tampa Bay offense on Sunday. The only team that sent more were the Tampa Bay Buccaneers sending 21 in an attempt to fluster Kirk Cousins. With those 19 blitzes, the Minnesota defense was able to pressure Mayfield nine times and sack him twice. Mayfield is an above-average athlete who clinched the game with a four-yard scramble to keep the final drive alive in Minnesota territory.
Jalen Hurts is a quarterback who is not afraid to get outside of the pocket and extend the play. Hurts is a true dual-threat quarterback that can beat teams with his legs and with his arm. Flores and this Minnesota defense will have to find a way to make Hurts uncomfortable and disrupt this passing attack.
