The Eagles fell to the Minnesota Vikings 38-20 on Sunday, with another slow start where they trailed 10-0 early. The Eagles have been among the worst first half teams in the league, Coach Pederson’s efforts continue to fail, as the Eagles need to face the mirror in every aspect of play. No matter how the weakest positions play, this Eagles unit as a whole need to find a way to have much more explosive starts.
The secondary once again looked atrocious, as Rasul Douglas, and Sidney Jones both could barely keep up with the Minnesota offense. They did adjust and regroup, yet it simply wasn’t enough as Cousins threw for 4 TDs on our defense. Stefon Diggs, who has brought recent drama to the Vikings locker room had the breakout game he was waiting for with 7 receptions, 167 yards, and 3 TDs. While our defensive game plan was focused on stopping star running back Dalvin Cook, it seems the “make Cousins pass” mentality completely backfired.
It isn’t all bad, as Carson has looked promising throughout the season, he had a QBR of 71.4 on Sunday and threw 300 yards and 2 TDs. Our offensive weapons don’t seem to be in sync, with horrendous offensive line play, and multiple miscommunications throughout the offensive game plan. Wentz simply cannot do it all himself, and with his play back at an elite level, our coaching staff needs to put these weapons in position to succeed.
Moving to the defense, this secondary has proven that it cannot sustain NFL wide receivers. If GM Howie Roseman does not upgrade the position before the deadline, this team may not even have playoff hopes. Jalen Ramsey sat out “injured” again this week, and they need to consider everything possible to acquire a corner of his caliber, and or any other DB’s on the market. This defense needs some kind of boost and adjustment before it’s too late.
Next week the Eagles take on the Cowboy’s in Dallas for Sunday Night Football, both teams are at a virtual tie at 3-3 following an upset Jets win. This is the biggest test of the season, and the Eagles need to prove that they are still a top threat in the NFC. This will be no easy task as Dallas finds themselves in the same position. Doug Pederson and company need to show the true potential of this roster, or this season is in real jeopardy. The upcoming stretch is tough enough to make or break this season, the Eagles need to make some serious changes if they want to have any shot at winning this division, even sitting tied for first.
Anthony DiRezno is a third-year student majoring in communications and minoring in journalism. AD943204@wcupa.edu