Philadelphia Eagles (2-0) – Minnesota Vikings (0-2): 34-28
To win a football match, it is recommended not to lose balls. The Vikings did the opposite, with 4 lost fumbles, which weighed down the team’s overall performance. The turning point of the match took place at the end of the first half, when a fumble by Justin Jefferson (159 yards) deprived the Vikings of a touchdown, allowing the Eagles to score 3 points in return. This is the second time in two weeks that the Vikings have lost the game due to turnovers.
Is this a touch back!? #NFL #NFLNews #Skol #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/hXoiD6Gy7Y
— Tanner Phifer (@TannerPhiferNFL) September 15, 2023
As is often the case, the Eagles built the victory on line domination and ground play. D’Andre Swift (181 yards, 1 TD) is the star of the evening, well supported by Devonta Smith (131 yards, 1 TD) and by Jalen Hurts (18/23, 193 yards, 35 yards rushing, 3 TD , 1 INT) finally effective in the second act. Kirk Cousins (31/44, 364 yards, 4 TDs) played his part, distributing to his targets, but the lack of ground play and individual errors got the better of his determination.
With this second victory, the Eagles continue to post a perfect balance sheet. Quite the opposite for Minnesota, which will quickly have to redress the situation so as not to see the season become a long pilgrimage.
Mistakes galore
If the Eagles start the match with a big reception from Devonta Smith which leads to a field goal (3-0), it is the individual errors on both sides which punctuate the start of the match. Two Vikings fumbles, an interception by Jalen Hurts and a missed field goal by Jake Elliott, there was something for everyone. The Eagles’ offense seems particularly weak compared to last season, whether it’s Jalen Hurts, the offensive line or the coaches’ choice of plays.
It was finally Minnesota who broke the deadlock in this match, with a gala TJ Hockenson (66 yards, 2 TDs), who flew into the opposing end zone (3-7). In response, the Eagles went back to basics: running, running and more running. D’Andre Swift wakes up this attack with sharp runs. Jalen Hurts will conclude this drive with his famous “sneak”, to restore the lead to Philadelphia (10-7).
As a symbol, it is yet another error which punctuates the end of the first act. Justin Jefferson catches the ball, but releases it 1 yard from the end zone, leading to a touchback. That’s 7 points that go away for the Vikings, a blunder that prevents Minnesota from getting back in front. Especially behind, the Eagles took the opportunity to add 3 points on a 61-yard field goal (13-7).
A return with fanfare for the Eagles
In just four minutes, the match changed. Returning from the locker room, Josh Sweat causes another fumble, which results in a running touchdown for Jalen Hurts. On the next drive, Hurts found Devonta Smith for a 63-yard touchdown (27-7).
With its back against the wall, Minnesota is not giving up. Jordan Addison (72 yards, 1 TD) took advantage of a huge blunder by Josh Jobe to also score a long-distance touchdown, giving hope to the Vikings (27-14). To maintain this lead and control the clock, Philadelphia continues to run excessively.
While the Eagles have the match in hand, two obvious refereeing errors will restart this match. Kirk Cousins takes advantage and finds KJ Osborn (34 yards, 1 TD) for another touchdown (27-21). It was then that the executioner of the evening, D’Andre Swift, went all the way up the field to ensure victory for Nick Sirianni’s men (34-21). TJ Hockenson scored a double for form, but it was too late (34-28).
