Keys to the Win

[Tom Moore]

We expect to deliver at least 2 pregame reports from Lincoln Financial Field this morning, but the key areas we will address:

* Avoid the hangover of the big win - play loose, because you are on borrowed time that 999 out of 1,000 times, the Vikings lose last week

* Don't play conservative on offense.  Go big or go home.  Running will be hard against this interior defense, so continually running on 1st down for a yard will put you in 3rd and long situations.  If you run, get outside and utilize Jerick McKinnon for his speed.  The pass defense for Philly is 17th and can be beaten, but this line must block, especially Fletcher Cox.

* The Vikings must get pressure up the middle and from Griffen - blitz if you have to to rattle Foles.   Their best lineman is superior, but on the right side.  The Linebackers must be on their pass coverage game, as Foles will check-down to find his backs and TE Zach Ertz


The better team on paper is Minnesota, but they don't play the games on paper, and that home field advantage will be a big one.

We will inspect the newly installed turf and let you know if it is solid, slick, or somewhere in between.  

Talk to you from the Stadium

[Guest]

It's all about Casey's big balls!

We take it for granted, but the Vikings D has to show up as a unit and play their butts off.  I expect they will. Week in and week out I'm amazed at the difference Zimmer has made on D.  There's talent on the field for sure, but he not only brings out the best, he calls an amazing defensive game.

I'm looking forward to the reports!  I've been quietly following them all year.

[Guest]

Yes, the Vikings are a better team on paper. Keenum is better than Foles. Meaning we can sellout to stop their run but they really can't. Keenum can beat their secondary with Thielen and Diggs. I have a hard time seeing Foles doing that consistently against ours. 

That is the key advantage we have, but if we don't exploit it by scoring touchdowns on offense and forcing Foles into mistakes on defense, then the advantage switches to them. 

[Guest]

I want to see screens to Diggs and JM.  Slow down their rush and get yards on first down.   We need third and short. 

No penalties.  No turnovers.  No special
teams blunders.  

Get up early.  

[Guest]

1st down yardage key and that means Latavius. Not saying we have to be predictable on 1st, but we gotta stay out of bad down/distance with that DL. 

I actually think our OL is key today...

[Guest]

Same scenario as most games this season
Eagles will get a big play & maybe score on first drive
Vikings start chipping away, FG, TD, FG
Vikings get and maintain lead for majority of game
Eagles throw everything they have in a last quarter run at a comeback
Vikings weather the storm & hang on for the Win
 =) 

[Guest]

Yes, on paper, I think we can all agree.  Unfortunately, the game is played with an odd-shaped ball that bounces unpredictably.  

[Guest]

The defense can take us to the Super Bowl.  You can make a case for a lot of factors to be key, but the #1 defense outside and on a likely slow field has the potential to win this game for us. See the ‘85 Bears and 2000 Ravens. 

[Guest]

Plan the work and work the plan. Go big or go home. No time for conservative bullshit. 

[Guest]

This one will come down to the trenches. Line vs. line will determine it.