Eagles Silence the Doubters with a Win Over the Vikings
As the Philadelphia Eagles took on the Minnesota Vikings in Week Seven of their season, one goal was in mind: win. With the Eagles struggling offensively and defensively the past two weeks, this game had everything riding on it. It was a statement for the Eagles to showcase the team they can be and how they chose to let their talent shine moving forward in the season. All that was left to see was whether they could rise to the occasion or crack under pressure.
Starting off the game strong, the Eagles received the kick for the opening drive. Putting them in offense territory, Jalen Hurts was able to move the ball down the field, with a 37-yard pass to A.J. Brown securing an Eagles touchdown. That 7-0 score didn’t last for long, though, as the Vikings were able to get their kicker, Will Reichard, a 59-yard field-goal attempt that was good. Leaving the first quarter seven-three, Eagles fans were still on edge as there was still a lot of time left to play.
Things started to shake up more in the second quarter as the Eagles were able to intercept Carson Wentz's pass at Minnesota’s 42-yard line. Intercepted by Jalyx Hunt and ran in for a touchdown, the pick six was good. Along with the extra point being retrieved by Jake Elliott, the Eagles now stood at 14-3. Just when you thought it couldn’t get better, Wentz threw another interception that was received by Andrew Mukuba, who was tackled at the Eagles' 44. Unfortunately, the Eagles were not able to secure another touchdown on that drive and were forced to punt the ball. Moving along in the second quarter, the Vikings took the advantage they could, securing another field goal. From 34 yards, Reichard was able to complete the kick. Coming near the end of the second half, no team was able to move the ball down the field enough, leaving the first half 14-6.
As both teams entered back on the field to play the second half of the game, the Vikings were the ones receiving this time. With Wentz making plays and advancing into scoring territory, the Vikings were able to secure a 28-yard field goal to start the second half off strong. Putting the Eagles in a little fear as the Vikings were quickly approaching, they knew they needed a big play. So they did just that. Hurts threw a 79-yard pass down the deep middle, which was completed by DeVonta Smith. The Eagles were showcasing their talent big in these moments. The Vikings aren’t done yet, though. With offense taking the field, they wanted nothing more than to complete drives and score a touchdown, so they did. With Jordan Mason rushing zero yards at first being tackled by Zack Baun, the officials reviewed the play, and Mason rushed one yard for a completed touchdown. Leaving the score 21-16 at the end of the third quarter.
With 15 minutes left of game time, a lot can still happen. With the Eagles taking the ball first in the fourth quarter, they marched down the field enough to attempt a field goal. Sadly, Elliott’s 41-yard field goal was no good. Bringing the energy they needed, the Vikings moved down the field and were in good eye view of a touchdown. Until Wentz was sacked for a minus of seven yards, forcing the Vikings to kick a field goal. With Reichard’s 35-yard field goal attempt being good, the Vikings were only two points behind the Eagles. Not for long, as Hurts quickly answered with a 26-yard strike down the middle to Brown for an Eagles touchdown. With time running out, the Vikings need to do something big, but unfortunately, they are forced to kick another field goal with two minutes remaining in the game. Resulting in the game ending 28-22.
In the end, the game wasn’t a flawless performance, but it was exactly what the Eagles needed for themselves. In a game that had everyone on the edge of their seats majority of the time, and not knowing the outcome of the game until the last second, it was a proven moment for the Eagles. Hurts showed poise, and the defense rose up. It was a great win for the Eagles and definitely shows the team they are going to be for the remainder of the season.
