Eagles Fly into Minneapolis

The Philadelphia Eagles fly into the Hubert H. Humphry Metrodome this weekend to do battle with our Minnesota Vikings. The Eagles and Vikings are doing battle for the 20th time in their team history, and it's Philadelphia holding a one game lead over the Vikings, with a series record of 10-9. Philadelphia has also won the last three meetings between these two clubs by a combined score of 102-47. The last time these two teams met was in the 2004 NFC Divisional Playoffs, with the Eagles winning 27-14. The helmets you see here are from the Eagles 1969-1973 teams, and the Vikings helmet is from 1961.

The Eagles are being led into the Metrodome this weekend by veteran quarterback Donovan McNabb. McNabb is entering this weekend with an 88.4 percent passer rating. He has 205 attempts, 122 completions for 1,447 yards. McNabb also has seven touchdowns, 2 interceptions, and has been sacked 23 times. In the backfield for Philadelphia are veterans Brian Westbrook, and Correll Buckhalter. Westbrook has ran the ball 89 times, rushing for 490 yards, averaging 5.5 yards per carry. Westbrook is also a threat in the air, as he as 31 receptions for 299 yards. Those receiving stats are good for second best on the squad. Buckhalter on the other hand has 36 rushes for 190 yards, averaging of 5.3 yards per carry.

The Eagles top two full-time receivers are Kevin Curtis, who has 29 receptions for 506 yards, and Reggie Brown, who has 17 receptions for 214 yards. Since McNabb's inception in the NFL in 1999, he is a perfect 3-0 against Minnesota. The Eagles run the same West Coast offense as the Minnesota Vikings, and both teams are struggling. Philadelphia lost last week to the Chicago Bears 19-16. Although Philadelphia is 2-4 on the season, their points for versus points against is +15.

On the other side of the ball for the Eagles is their 11th ranked defense in the league, and eighth ranked defense in rushing. The Eagles defense only allows 16.8 points per game, and their rushing defense only allows 88.0 yards per game. Philadelphia's defense keeps them close in every game, but their offensive woes have stopped them from winning this season.

The Minnesota Vikings are in the same boat at the Eagles. Minnesota comes into this week's game with their rushing offense ranked first in the league with 163.7 yards per game. With Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor in the backfield, the Vikings have held opponents wondering where the ball will be going. It has been the athleticism of Peterson that keeps defenses' on their heels, as he has rushed for over 100 yards in four of six games this season. Peterson is also a passing threat for swing out passes, where he utilizes his speed and agility to out-maneuver opponents for big yard gains. Chester Taylor has also helped out the Vikings in the backfield this season. He rushes for an average of 4.4 yards per carry, improving from last year at 4.0 yards per carry. Minnesota also has the running threat of Tarvaris Jackson at quarterback. Although he has many problems throwing the ball, he can scramble and run when allowed. Jackson averages 4.2 yards per carry, and is fast on his feet. Tarvaris can run and eat up yardage if given the chance.

It appears this season that the Viking coaching staff is trying to make Jackson stay in to pocket more often. Jackson has a miserable passer rating of 48.7 percent, and is at 45.9 percent for pass completions. Jackson has only completed 45 of 98 passes for 537 yards. Tarvaris also has only thrown two touchdowns, and five interceptions. To Jackson's defense, 4 of his 5 interceptions came in one game. Week two against Detroit. However, this week it appears that Kelly Holcomb will get the start for the Vikings. Tarvaris Jackson has a broken finger on his throwing hand, which appears to be bothering him this week. Holcomb has a substantially better passer rating than Jackson at 70.9 percent, and has completed 35 of 67 passes for 427 yards in two games this season. Although Holcomb has a passer rating and completion rating better than Jackson, he has found the end zone less times than Jackson. Kelly Holcomb has thrown only one touchdown, one interception, and has been sacked 10 times this season. Holcomb is a better option than Jackson, but I think this is due to Tarvaris's lack of experience and immaturity, rather than his ability.

Minnesota's receiving corps has not helped out much either. Bobby Wade has been the most dependable receiver so far this season. Wade has caught 19 passes for 219 yards, but no touchdowns. Sydney Rice has caught 11 passes for 119 yards and one touchdown, while Adrian Peterson has 11 receptions for 187 yards and one touchdown. Finally, rounding out the main receivers for the Vikings, Troy Williamson has 9 receptions for 159 yards, and one touchdown. Williamson's lone touchdown came in week six against the Chicago Bears, and went for 60 yards. Minnesota's lack luster offense has 170 passing attempts, with only 83 completions. Minnesota also has three passing touchdowns, and six interceptions. The Vikings need to get something going here very soon. Viking fans are growing impatient with the poor performances week in and week out with nothing being done to improve.

The key for the Vikings this week will again be the performance of Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor. This virtually unstoppable tandem will keep the Eagle defense on their heels. Even though Philadelphia is ranked 8th in the league in rushing defense, they have not seen the likes of Adrian Peterson this season. Both Taylor and Peterson need to touch the ball 25 times, and our offensive line needs to open some nice holes for those two guys. Holcomb should be more accurate in his passing game, so the Viking receivers will have no excuses for dropping passes. Troy Williamson is best utilized for short passes, and then should use his speed to get down field. Bobby Wade has been the most consistent receiver we have, and should see more playing time. The Viking offense needs at least two touchdowns this week, and then rely on or defense to keep up their hard work, and the Eagles out of the end zone.

Overall, this should be a good game. Even with both teams struggling offensively to score points, both teams defenses are strong, and won't allow a lot of points. I think we will see a defensive battle in this one fans, and the out come will depend on who's offense gets going this week. Finally, the Viking Mania Fan Club will be hosting a Meet and Greet gathering at Zimmy's in Hibbing starting at 11 am. We will then watch the game, and have time for sign up to the fan club as well. We invite all group members, their families and friends, as well as travelers to our area to attend. So come on down to Zimmy's Vikings fans and join in the fun.

SKOL VIKINGS!!!!