The Philadelphia Eagles are just moments from kicking off a huge road matchup against the Minnesota Vikings, and there will be several intriguing matchups to watch. Whether it be the Eagles stout run defense against the Vikings new-found offensive strength.
Or could it be the Vikings physical style of defense against the Eagles outstanding office line that will need to be focused on picking up Minnesota’s creative blitz schemes?
It’s Wentz against Zimmer and Cousins against Schwartz to see what team will ultimately move to 4-2 on the season.
Here are five matchups to watch on Sunday afternoon:
1. Eagles Nigel Bradham-Zach Brown vs. Dalvin Cook
The Vikings boast one of the NFL’s best rushing offenses and the Eagles have the NFL’s best defense against the run. Through five games, the Vikings are averaging 166.4 rushing yards per game, with Cook as the second-leading rusher in the NFL with 542 yards on 92 carries with five touchdowns.
Look for Bradham and Brown to be in the right positions and to makes stops on Cook, without giving up yards after contact.
2. Eagles Sidney Jones-Rasul Douglas vs. Stefon Diggs-Adam Thielen
The Vikings can kill you with multiple styles, and it’s up to the Eagles to pick the appropriate poison. With the teams’ struggle in the secondary, the Eagles can’t afford for Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs to run wild on Sunday.
The Birds have been decimated by injuries and will be without Ronald Darby, Avonte Maddox, Jalen Mills and Cre’Von LeBlanc on Sunday.
3. Zach Ertz vs. Harrison Smith
Ertz has dominated this matchup over the last two contests, logging 18 total catches for 203 yards and 1 touchdown. without the deep threat of Jackson, Ertz and Goedert’s involvement in the offense will be pertinent to any success the Eagles have on Sunday.
4. Alshon Jeffery vs. Xavier Rhodes
This matchup goes back several years, dating back to Jefferey’s time in Chicago. Jeffery has tormented Rhodes in their matchups, making a name for himself off a five-catch, 85 yards, and two-touchdown performance in their initial meeting.
Twice, Jeffery has had more than 10 catches for more than 100 yards and a touchdown against the Vikings and could use Sunday as a breakout game. Rhodes for his part has gotten the better of Jeffery while Alshon has been an Eagle.
5. Eagles DT Fletcher Cox vs. Vikings interior O-Line
Cox is hitting his all-pro stride and was disruptive against the Jets, causing several huge plays for the Eagles. The Vikings will start a rookie at the center position in Bradbury and he’s also battling a shoulder injury. Minnesota will be without starting right guard Josh Kline as well. Cox and the Eagles will benefit greatly from pressuring Kirk Cousins up the middle.
