Maybe this high-wire act the Eagles appear to play every week is just how it’s going to be for the rest of the season. For the most part, it’s a winning formula.
The Eagles played an average first half Sunday against the Vikings, which was bailed out mostly by some bad Carson Wentz decisions that the Eagles know all too well. Their passing game came alive, though, in the second half, and they got some big third-down stops on defense to escape Minneapolis with a 28-22 win.
The Eagles never trailed in the game and at one point led by 11, yet the outcome never seemed set in stone until the Vikings ruined their chance to really make it close. On the Vikings’ final possession, T. J. Hockenson dropped a touchdown pass, followed by a Josh Uche sack of Wentz that forced Minnesota to eventually kick a field goal.
A sweet connection between Jalen Hurts and A. J. Brown on the Eagles’ last drive was the final nail in the coffin, as Philadelphia snapped their two-game losing streak. Up next is a rematch against the Giants on Sunday—the last team to beat them.
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### A Formulaic Eagles Win
This was a fairly typical Eagles win. Most fans probably won’t be happy with all the things the Eagles didn’t do well, and that’s understandable for the defending Super Bowl champs, who haven’t looked elite at any time this season. But it’s definitely better than losing a third straight game.
Let’s break down some key observations from the game:
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### Jalen Hurts Came Alive in the Second Half
Hurts completed 9 of 11 passes in the first half but didn’t play very well. His pass protection was solid despite some injuries on the offensive line and has been consistently good all year. However, even with plenty of time, he held onto the ball too long, failed to find scramble lanes, and took too many sacks.
The start of the second half was shaky, but Hurts really came alive as the game progressed. His 78-yard touchdown pass was vintage Hurts — a deep ball that only DeVonta Smith could catch, leading perfectly into a catch-and-run score.
Hurts also delivered a 26-yard strike to A. J. Brown in the fourth quarter with impeccable placement between two defenders. Another nice rollout to his right led to a 3rd-and-long completion to Smith that moved the chains and kept the drive alive.
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### A. J. Brown Finally Got the Ball
There was a big sigh of relief for A. J. Brown, who had his best game of the season. He caught only four passes, but they were all crucial—especially his last catch, a 45-yard reception on 3rd-and-9 during the Eagles’ final possession. Brown executed a sweet double move on his former teammate Isaiah Rodgers, helping Philadelphia run out the clock.
Much has been made about the Hurts-Brown relationship this year, both on and off the field. Just six targets against a Vikings defense that aggressively pressured Hurts still feels low. While this won’t erase all the questions surrounding their connection, anytime the Eagles get 100 yards from both Brown and Smith, that usually resonates well in the locker room.
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### Pass Rush, or Lack Thereof, Almost Did Them In
Outside a key third-down sack in the third quarter by Moro Ojomo, the Eagles struggled to generate pressure late in the game. Carson Wentz saved some of his best throws for the fourth quarter and made several elusive runs that pushed the Vikings deep into Eagles territory, trailing by nine with time winding down.
Wentz nearly connected on a touchdown pass to T. J. Hockenson, but it was called a drop. He also converted a critical 4th-and-2 to Jordan Addison. The Eagles managed a sack by Josh Uche, but that was more due to Wentz holding onto the ball too long rather than dominant pass rush.
The Eagles recorded only two sacks despite Wentz’s poor pocket presence and tendency to get stuck inside the pocket. Last year’s defense would have dropped Wentz multiple times. With reports that Brandon Graham could come out of retirement, perhaps the pass rush can improve moving forward.
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### CB2 Continues to Be a Struggle
It’ll be interesting to see how quickly Jakorian Bennett returns to the field, because both Adoree’ Jackson and Kelee Ringo have struggled at cornerback.
Jackson started but left with a concussion. Quinyon Mitchell was assigned mainly to Justin Jefferson, who was held in check for being the elite receiver he is (helped by a dropped touchdown). However, other Vikings receivers made big plays—Jordan Addison went over 100 yards, and Jailen Nailor added a big 26-yard catch.
It’s fair to wonder if the Eagles would have won this game if they were facing any other starting NFL quarterback less erratic than Carson Wentz.
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Despite the flaws, the Eagles found a way to win a tough road game and keep their season alive. But if they want to climb higher, improvement in key areas will be necessary.
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