6 biggest takeaways from the Vikings loss to the Eagles in Week 2

Vikings takeaway No. 2

Stopping the run needs to be a priority

Last week, the Minnesota Vikings held the Buccaneers to 73 rushing yards on 33 attempts. That is an average of 2.2 yards per carry, which is an excellent mark for a defense currently in transition even though Tampa Bay isn't known for their rushing attack.

This week was a significantly different story for the Vikings defense. The Eagles couldn't be stopped on the ground, rushing 48 times for 259 yards and three touchdowns, an average of 5.4 yards per attempt by Philadelphia.

Failure to stop the run resulted in the Eagles winning the time of possession battle by nearly a two-to-one ratio. Minnesota's defense was exhausted and were struggling mightily to make stops against a stout Eagles offensive line.

Interestingly enough, the pass defense gives up a big play now and then but has been hugely improved from last season under new defensive coordinator Brian Flores but the run defense is an area that can't afford to be exploited too heavily.