Too Optimistic? (Week 5): 3 Bold Predictions for Vikings-Eagles

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LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 27: Wide receiver Robert Woods #17 of the Los Angeles Rams makes a catch in front of linebacker Anthony Barr #55 of the Minnesota Vikings for a touchdown to lead 38-28 in the third quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 27, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Not much has gone as planned this season.

– You’re supposed to make 37 yard field goal to win games.

– You’re supposed to handle the Bills with ease.

– Our offense (with a new QB) was suppose to take a few weeks before they built the rapport they seem to already have.

– We brought back 10 of 11 starters from the best defense in the NFL and upgraded the 11th spot with Sheldon Richardson.

Kyle Brandt of Good Morning Football said it well. The loss of Everson Griffen was similar to the Steelers losing Ryan Shazier. Everson was the defensive leader both on an off the field. There has to be a part of this defense that constantly has their mind with him.

This week, against the (struggling) reigning Super Bowl champion Eagles, is the week we put it all together.

via GIPHY

Vikings run game gets going with 125+ yards rushing as a team:

Dalvin Cook is a game-time decision on whether he will play. I foresee him playing, but still on a limited basis. Dalvin’s limited play combined with Latavius Murray and maybe even some Mike Boone need to get going. The only win we have so far this season, is the only game where as a team we have 100+ yards rushing. This is not a coincidence. This will help us in the passing game and also allow us to have a greater time of possession.

Establishing a running game would also be a boost for an offensive line, that has clearly struggled in the run game. The return of Pat Elflein should help, as he looked pretty good against a stout Rams defensive interior. Hopefully, more time together as a unit assists the offensive line, especially in the run game.

Mike Hughes gets his 2nd career INT:

Mike Hughes’ interception in week one has been the only correct bold prediction for me so far this season. A clear sign that this season isn’t on the right track… yet.

Trae Waynes has been ruled out with a concussion so we should see a lot of Mackenzie Alexander and Mike Hughes. With Xavier Rhodes likely shadowing Alshon Jeffery, Mackenzie Alexander will likely be on Nelson Agholor. I expect Carson Wentz to exploit that matchup, however, there could be a lot of Safety-help with Agholor over the top.

If Mack does sit in the slot with Agholor, it leaves Mike Hughes on a mixture of Jordan Matthews and Kamar Aiken. Zimmer’s newest rookie DB has had some growing pains, but I believe this is the week he takes charge.

Anthony Barr has 2+ sacks:

The Vikings have ruled out both Everson Griffen and Tashawn Bower. That leaves only Danielle Hunter and Stephen Weatherly as the active defensive ends. The Vikings may finally be forced to experiment with Anthony Barr as an edge rusher on Sunday…  out of necessity.

Dropping back in coverage hasn’t worked out too well for Barr so far this season, but that might not be entirely his fault. However, I do foresee his hand in the dirt more often vs the Eagles, or at least more packages featuring 55 as a blitzer.

Barr attacking the QB and recording two sacks would be a big help, not only for the team on Sunday, but also for his potential contact discussions.

Final score prediction: Vikings 38-7 Eagles  (lol)

Real Final score predictions: Vikings 34-24 Eagles

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Ian Parrague
Minnesota Sports Fan

And never forget…. Super Bowl or not, Eagles’ fans are fucking stupid:

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