When you look at the score, you get the impression the Vikings were routed by the Eagles. This game was much closer than that. The Vikings just committed too many errors to win this one.
The Eagles rushed Daunte Culpepper and forced him into a few errors, the Vikes' defense committed 3 big pass-interference or defensive holding penalties that helped Philly continue drives for 17 points, and the Vikings' botched a fake FG. Add it all up, and Minnesota lost this one more than Philadelphia won it.
The Eagles came out very strong defensively, and kept up the pressure all day. They came up with two big interceptions, a couple of sacks, and nearly came up with a couple of fumbles. It was definitely the defense that carried the Eagles.
This Vikings did play well offensively. They averaged 4.6 yards per rush, and that after losing yards on their first series. But, as usual, they didn't capitalize on their running game. The defense was just plain bad. After a stellar game at Green Bay, Minnesota reverted to form and failed to get a rush on McNabb all day. They also failed to control Westbrook, who made a lot of key plays.
The bottom line is the Vikings commited 7 penalties, 2 int's, and the botched FG. You can't give away points to a team like the Eagles and have any hope of winning. A lot was said of Andy Reid's resting players and how smart he was to do it. But it was the Vikings' coaching staff that failed to prepare their team for this game.
The Vikings were out-rushed, out-defensed, out-played, and definitely out-coached.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment