By Kevin Durso, Sports Talk Philly editor 
Another undisciplined game did the Eagles in last Sunday in their first meeting with an NFC East team. Despite having a total losing margin of eight points over the previous two weeks, the 3-2 record is now a far cry from the 3-0 start the Eagles put together.
It doesn't get any easier either, as the undefeated Minnesota Vikings pay a visit to Philadelphia and a familiar face returns.
Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.
Quarterbacks
| Minnesota Vikings (5-0) | Philadelphia Eagles (3-2) |
| 8 Sam Bradford | 11 Carson Wentz |
| Stats: 990 YD, 6 TD, 0 INT | Stats: 1,186 YD, 7 TD, 1 INT |
Sam Bradford returns to Philadelphia and comes in spotless and efficient in the Vikings offense. Like the Vikings undefeated record, Bradford has been nearly perfect with six touchdown passes, no interceptions and averaging 231 yards per game.
Carson Wentz dealt with his toughest game last week, having to constantly handle the pressure of a crowded pocket, taking several hits and really feeling uncomfortable all game. He didn't turn the ball over, but he alone couldn't spark the Eagles offense.
Running Backs
| Minnesota Vikings (5-0) | Philadelphia Eagles (3-2) |
| 21 Jerick McKinnon | 24 Ryan Mathews |
| Stats: 57 Att, 174 YD, 1 TD | Stats: 53 Att, 206 YD, 3 TD |
Jerick McKinnon has served as the fill-in for Adrian Peterson who is still out with injury. The run game hasn't been the focal point of the Vikings offense and it hasn't needed to be with such a good group in the passing game.
Ryan Mathews came back strong in Week 6, but also couldn't prove to be turn around the game despite a few strong plays. If Mathews can stay healthy, he can certainly be a capable running back, but health has always been a concern.
Wide Receivers
| Minnesota Vikings (5-0) | Philadelphia Eagles (3-2) | ||
| 14 Stefon Diggs | Stats: 25 Rec, 372 YD, 1 TD | 81 Jordan Matthews | Stats: 22 Rec, 344 YD, 2 TD |
| 19 Adam Thielen | Stats: 20 Rec, 272 YD, 1 TD | 17 Nelson Agholor | Stats: 16 Rec, 181 YD, 1 TD |
The Vikings don't have a true No. 1 go-to receiver, but they have been getting consistent production out of their group all season. Six different players have six catches or more through five games.
As much as the offensive struggles last week could be pinned on the offensive line, the Eagles passing game has been lacking. Jordan Matthews always seems capable of a big game, but aside from in Week 1, Matthews has really not had a huge game individually. Like the Vikings, the Eagles are trying to distribute the ball around as well.
Defense
| Minnesota Vikings (5-0) | Philadelphia Eagles (3-2) | ||
| 54 Eric Kendricks | Stats: 36 Tackles, 1 INT, 1 FF, 1 FR | 23 Rodney McLeod | Stats: 36 Tackles, 2 INT |
| 26 Trae Waynes | Stats: 19 Tackles, 2 INT | 53 Nigel Bradham | Stats: 25 Tackles, 1 INT, 1 FR |
| 97 Everson Griffen | Stats: 12 Tackles, 4.0 Sacks, 1 FF | 55 Brandon Graham | Stats: 16 Tackles, 3.0 Sacks, 1 FF, 1 FR |
Minnesota's defense ranks second in team defense and has been a force to be reckoned with all season. There are so many powerful players on the Minnesota defense, it's honestly hard to keep count.
The Eagles defense really struggled with balance in the last game. While the defense started to get better against the pass as the game progressed, the run defense never found a rhythm and struggled mightily.
Player to Watch
| Minnesota Vikings (5-0) | Philadelphia Eagles (3-2) |
| 8 Sam Bradford | 18 Dorial Green-Beckham |
| Stats: 990 YD, 6 TD, 0 INT | Stats: 11 Rec, 131 YD |
All eyes will be on the former Eagles quarterback and playing in Philadelphia, you can bet he'll hear it from the Philadelphia fans. But to this point in the season, he's been clutch, consistent and helping lead the Vikings to wins.
The Eagles have said for weeks that Dorial Green-Beckham would be more involved in the passing game. It's time for the Eagles to live up to the talk.
Injury Report
|
Minnesota Vikings (5-0) |
Philadelphia Eagles (3-2) |
||||
|
TE MyCole Pruitt |
Knee/Ankle |
Out |
CB Ron Brooks |
Calf |
Questionable |
| DT Shariff Floyd | Knee | Out |
LB Mychal Kendricks |
Ribs |
Questionable |
| WR Jarius Wright | Ankle | Doubtful | DT Bennie Logan |
Groin |
Questionable |
| WR Stefon Diggs | Groin | Questionable |
CB Leodis McKelvin |
Hamstring |
Questionable |
| T Laquon Treadwell | Thumb | Questionable | |||
Game Notes
- Since 1989, the Eagles are 8-3 against the Vikings.
- The Eagles enter Sunday's game having allowed just 6.5 points per game at home.
- Both teams enter Sunday's game in the top three in turnover differential. The Vikings lead the league at +11. The Eagles are in third at +6.
Where to Watch
TV: FOX (Thom Brennaman, Troy Aikman, Erin Andrews)
Radio: 94 Sportsradio WIP (Merrill Reese, Mike Quick, Howard Eskin)
National Radio: Westwood One (Joe Sadak, Mike Mayock)
