The Philadelphia Eagles head back to the site of the franchise’s greatest moment on Sunday when they face the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Eagles won the Super Bowl at this same site two February’s ago but can expect a raucous crowd to voice their displeasure early and often.
The building will be filled with Vikings chants, as the 3-2 Eagles look to maintain there lead on the division with a trip to Dallas looming next with.
With both teams among the best at what they do, here are four things to watch when the Eagles are on offense.
****
Jason Kelce vs. Mike Zimmer
The Vikings are an aggressive defense that likes to bring a decent amount of pressure. Minnesota is 20th in the NFL in blitzing this season (25.9 percent), and with the crowd noise certain to play a huge factor in the game, having the NFL’s top center is a huge plus. Jason Kelce will be tasked with blocking Linval Joseph while helping Carson Wentz pick-up the Vikings complex blitz packages.
With linebackers constantly in the gaps, Kelce will have to be crisp with his calls.
Carson Wentz vs. Vikings Blitz
Speaking of the Vikings blitz, they happen to do it with success, but the quarterback they’ll be facing deals with just as well. Wentz has performed well against the blitz this season, as opponents are bringing it against the Eagles almost 30.6 percent of the time. Wentz averages 7.1 net yards per pass play, 38.2% first-down percentage against the Blitz. When he faces four down linemen or fewer, he averages 5.7 net yards per pass play, 26.0% first-down percentage, while getting rid of the ball in 2.24 seconds on average (the second-fastest time of any QB).
Jordan Howard’s familiarity with Vikings defense
The Vikings and head coach Mike Zimmer are extremely familiar with Howard, as the Eagles lead back has gained 100+ yards on three different occasions from 2016 through 2018 when he was a member of the Chicago Bears. Howard also accounted for three touchdowns, with 20+ plus carries in each outing. The Eagles signed Howard for moments like Sunday and his physical running should open things up for Wentz and company.
Jason Peters-Lane Johnson vs. Everson Griffen-Danielle Hunter
The Vikings are similar to the Eagles defensively when it comes to the concept of putting extreme pressure on the opposing quarterbacks. The Eagles’ bookends at tackle are two of the best in the NFL and their opponents on the edge, Everson Griffen and Danielle Hunter, are just as accomplished. Hunter and Griffen have combined for 85 sacks since entering the NFL, and the duo has combined for eight thus far on the season. Peters and Johnson will have to be on their A-game on Sunday, as they look to keep Carson Wentz upright.
