Philly Escapes Thursday Night Football With Win Over Vikings

The Philadelphia Eagles beat the Minnesota Vikings Thursday night 34-28. The Eagles improved to 2-0 on the season while the Vikings fell to 0-2. Minnesota is on the wrong side of history as only 9.6% of NFL teams in history have made the playoffs after starting 0-2. The Vikings have lost the last two games by a combined score of nine points, fresh off of a season where they went 11-0 in one-score games.

Breakdown

The Eagles won this game by dominating the run game. Philly rushed for 259 total yards in the game to go along with three touchdowns on the ground. D’Andre Swift took the starting role this game with Kenneth Gainewell out due to a rib injury, and he did not disappoint. Swift ran for 175 yards and a touchdown, leading the Eagles in carries and yards. Quarterback Jalen Hurts spoke about his team’s dominance in the run game.

Hurts threw the ball for 193 yards with a touchdown and interception. On the ground, he rushed for 35 yards and two touchdowns. Hurts so far has turned the ball over at a higher clip. His two interceptions through Week 2 matched his total through seven games last year. DeVonta Smith led the Eagles in receiving with four catches for 131 yards and a touchdown. However, A.J. Brown seemed visibly upset in the game, as he and Hurts were seen arguing on the sideline. Brown had four catches for just 29 yards in the game and Hurts spoke on improving the passing game.

The Vikings had trouble turning the ball over Thursday. Minnesota fumbled the ball four times in the game, ultimately leading to another close loss. Kirk Cousins, Brandon Powell, Alexander Mattison and Justin Jefferson all lost the ball, with Jefferson’s fumble being the hardest pill to swallow. The star wide receiver fumbled the ball into the endzone on what would have been a potential long touchdown pass from Cousins. Head coach Kevin O’Connell spoke on holding on to the football.

On the positive side of things, Cousins had himself a day. The veteran quarterback threw for 364 yards and four touchdowns. Jefferson led the way for the Vikings, hauling in 11 catches for 159 yards in the game. Tight end T.J. Hockenson led the team in touchdowns, catching two to go along with his seven receptions for 66 yards. Jordan Addison and K.J. Osborn both caught touchdowns, as well.

What’s Next

Minnesota has a little over a week to prepare for the Los Angeles Chargers, who play the Titans on Sunday. The Vikings will be looking to limit the turnovers and come out with their first win of the 2023 NFL season.

Philadelphia focuses its attention on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 3, who play the Chicago Bears on Sunday. The Eagles will look to continue their momentum from Weeks 1 and 2 to stay undefeated on the young season.