Now they’re in the same spot against second-seeded Vikings (14-3) and the NFL’s top defense in Sunday’s 6:40 p.m. ET game (Fox). I know it sounds ridiculous, like we’re nearly talking about gangs here, but it’s no joke down in Philly. He didn’t throw a touchdown, but he set up the Eagles only trip to the end zone on the day, a plunge from LeGarrette Blount, who usually can’t be denied from short range. Neither team has won the big game, but only one of them will get a shot against the victor of the Patriots and Jaguars on February 4, 2018. To put that into context, only four teams had a worse yards-per-play differential throughout the entire regular season. As gaudy as those numbers are, his game history is quite the roller coaster. In these three games the Eagles went 3-0, scoring an average of 27 points and only giving up 15. He had six receptions for 74 yards in the win over the Saints.
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And three of the four toughest to gain yards against are still around, too. In that Week 14 game, the Vikings vaunted defense surrendered 216 yards rushing to the Panthers.
Their defense has been exceptional at home all season (surrendering an average of just 13 points a game), and that has to continue versus the Vikings.
If Smith is elsewhere, playing as a rover or a deep safety, he has to know where Ertz will be at all times, understanding that matchup likely favors the Eagles even if it’s just by a little. Whatever head coach Doug Pederson has done in that locker room should be bottled and sold on the open market. It’s an emotional thing, it’s something I’ve done my entire life. Does it apply to this game? It’s been fun but I want to get a win this week. “Those fans care. So, I’m excited to go play”. Obviously, he’s playing with a lot of confidence. The great thing about Jeffery is even if Rhodes cover is flawless, it might not matter. At that moment, it was going to back to play for coach Reid, and when I did, you know, I am a better person because of that decision.
Eric had his best season with 136 tackles to lead the team for the third straight time, nine passes defended and one interception return for a touchdown. Minnesota is 1 for 7 on fourth down, fewest attempts in the league. If Vaitai can not keep Foles’ blindside clean on Sunday, the Eagles’ chances at advancing diminish greatly. The Vikings running game ranked seventh during the regular season despite the loss of rookie Dalvin Cook.
Case Keenum won the starting job over Nick Foles back in St. Louis for a reason: He’s the better quarterback. Hill will be tasked with blocking defensive end Brandon Graham, who had 60 pressure on the quarterback this year.
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Below, you’ll find how you can watch Sunday’s game.
