On paper, this looks like an Eagles win. If this were week 12 or 14, I would say the Eagles win in a blowout. But there are so many questions about the Eagles now and the Vikings showed a spark of life, and some real coaching, last week.
The Eagles haven't played a meaningful game in a month. If Terrell Owens were playing that would probably not be a big factor. But McNabb has only played a few series without T.O., and his confidence level in his receivers is probably non-existent. Westbrook is healthy and can do some damage, but the long threat is gone. The Eagles are going to have to change to a bit of a dink and dunk team with Westbrook and LJ Smith. The Vikings are soft against the run, but the Eagles are not exactly a great running team, especially without the long threat. McNabb will have to use Westbrook out of the backfield and he must be quick to use his feet.
The Eagles defense will be the difference in this game. They will blitz hard and try to put a lot of pressure on Culpepper. If they succeed, they should be able to contain the Vikings and keep the game low scoring. The Eagles must also stop the Vikings running attack. Usually the Vikings abandon the run early, so if the Eagles can stop it early they can force the Vikings to be one dimensional.
The Eagles must be very relieved they are not playing the Rams. I believe the Rams would have beaten them. But the Vikings are different and can be stopped by this defense.
The Vikings started fast last week and it carried through the whole game. It would really help them to do it again. Scoring on their first two drives against the Eagles could put them on the ropes. The problem with the Vikings is they tend to force the passing game and not give the running game a chance. Even with a 14-point lead in the 4th quarter last week, the Vikings went 3-and-out trying to pass the ball. The Vikings will use the passing game and be successful if Moss is healthy. But they must be able to run the ball late, and that is a big question mark.
Minnesota's defense didn't just surprise last week, they returned from the dead! Where was that team all year? If that defense shows up again, the Eagles are dead. They put pressure on Favre, they made good tackles, and played good pass defense. It was by far the best performance of the season. They must do all those things again. If they can pressure McNabb into a couple of mistakes and give the offense good field position, this game could be over quickly.
For Minnesota to win, they must be able to run and put some long drives together. If Moss isn't healthy, the Vikes chances diminish drastically. This coaching staff simply can't adjust to life without Moss. If they put up 24 points and play decent defense, they will win.
For the Eagles it is simple, stop Moss and you win. If they put pressure on Culpepper and he doesn't have time to find his receivers they should win. If this game turns into a shootout, the Vikings will run away with it.
I have not seen any consistency from the Vikings coaching staff or any commitment to running the ball. I also believe Andy Reid also made a big mistake by not letting McNabb play without T.O. and adjust to not having him. But I think when the game starts, Reid has the advantage. I just don't think the Vikings can put two great performances together. The Eagles will win a close one.
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