5 Bold Predictions: Minnesota Vikings vs. Philadelphia Eagles – Week 2
By Chris Schad
Prediction No. 1
The Vikings will have a blitz rate over 50 percent
The Vikings were one of the most conservative teams in the league last season under Ed Donatell, as their 18.9 percent blitz rate ranked 24th in the NFL. Brian Flores nearly tripled that rate in his first game as defensive coordinator, blitzing on a league-high 52.6 percent of snaps against the Buccaneers.
The Vikings are unlikely to keep that pace throughout the season, but there’s a good chance they could use the blitz more against Philadelphia.
Jalen Hurts had a solid opener against the New England Patriots, completing 22-of-33 passes for 170 yards and a touchdown, but his performance under pressure was a concern. According to Pro Football Focus, Hurts was pressured on 42 percent of his dropbacks and posted a 39.6 passer rating on those throws.
Even more concerning is that Hurts posted a 66.3 passer rating under pressure last season, ranking him 19th among quarterbacks with 20 percent of the league lead in passing attempts.
Simply put, the Vikings need to put pressure on Hurts in order to succeed. If Marcus Davenport (ankle) can’t go after missing Week 1, the Vikings will have to find other ways to get that pressure which could lead to an aggressive gameplan on Thursday night.