How the Minnesota Vikings can beat the Eagles in Philly in Week 5

Avoid momentum changing-plays

As we all know, the Eagles out-played us last January to the tune of a 38-7 loss. After a very promising start that gave us a 7-0 lead, we played good defense and were at midfield when then Vikings QB Case Keenum’s arm was touched on a pass that turned into an Eagles pick-6 that tied the game.

Momentum-wise, the football field was then tilted against the Minnesota Vikings.

If the Vikings want to win this contest, they need to know that every play, every yard is crucial to winning. Some of the fans of Lincoln Field are lousy people, but the group really loves their Eagles. They also love getting loud and feeding their team adrenaline.

If Minnesota gets intimidated in this game–especially on offense, it’s over.

Win the RAC game

For all the ability that players like Adam Thielen and Minnesota tight end Kyle Rudolph display, one of the things that are rarely displayed is the will to break tackles after making a catch. Although Thielen, with good punt-returning skills, can sometimes get loose if not contacted, both receivers show a visible penchant for going to the ground without much of a fight after a grab.

Stefon Diggs is no Adrian Peterson, but the last thing in his head is to catch and fall. He may be quicker than Thielen, but he’s also much more fierce in fighting for yards once he’s got the ball in his hands. As for Rudolph, sometimes he looks like he’s trying to find a place to get tackled.

Eagle receivers Alshon Jeffrey, Nelson Agholor and tight end Zach Ertz will be ripping away from tacklers, as they have in the past, for extra yards in this game. Their counterparts need to do the same. The outcome of this contest may indeed depend on it.