Dilly Dilly We're Going to Philly!!!

Wish it was at home, but the Eagle offense doesn't scare me.  And their passing D is meh. Case, Diggs, Thielen and Rudy should have a good day.

Here is why...
"Philadelphia's home-field advantage matters more than you might realize. The past eight NFC/AFC title games have all been won by the home team."
And this...
"This season, two of the Vikings’ three losses came on the road on grass outdoor fields."

The fans scare me more than the team does

I'm honestly never comfortable playing anyone! 

If we think Philly won't show up, we're sorely mistaken. They're the #1 seed, and they're taking this underdog thing personally! My guess is that they come out with an intensity level that will shock us fans. I think they come out playing hard. I think we pull it off in the end, but they are no walk in the park, and are certainly pissed at being an underdog.

@"Wetlander" said: Here is why... "Philadelphia's home-field advantage matters more than you might realize. The past eight NFC/AFC title games have all been won by the home team." And this... "This season, two of the Vikings’ three losses came on the road on grass outdoor fields."

I read that as well - and it adds to my nervousness about this game. I guess something else the Vikes have to overcome. The Eagles D is very very good. I fear that Positive plays of more than 3-4 yards are going to be very hard to come by. Keenum cannot chuck up easy picks. At least I hear that the temp will be in the low 50's vs. freezing temps. This looks to be a game that our D will really win this for us in the end, or our O loses this one with some kind of brutal turn over. 

I'll be pacing back and forth in front of the TV all game. Picked a wrong time to quit smoking!

I think we should win, but I won't be surprised if we don't.  Philly's D will give us problems, and our pass rush hasn't been our strength as of late without blitzing.  That turf will only make us slower.

Hopefully we can generate more offense than they can, but I think the home field advantage Philly has really evens out this game.  I know we're favored, but I think it's going to be a contest of two tough evenly matched teams.

Both ground games should struggle and should be a low scoring affair.  Turnovers are always critical, but at least it won't be arctic conditions.  Foles v. Keenum plays to our advantage.

It is an NFCCG, I will be nervous as all get out.

We beat the Packers on grass outside
We beat the Browns on grass outside
We beat the Redskins on grass outside
We beat the Bears on grass outside

I am more nervous about this game now that it is a reality than I was when it was only a possibility.  watching them and how they have played without Wentz at home makes me think we might be vulnerable if we dont bring our A game.   I dont think mistakes are going to cut it in that environment.   Its going to take our O getting up on them early and maintaining that pressure and O defense playing the stifling defense we know that they are capable of.  This game will be either be a blow out,  or a nail biter,  i just dont see a 6-8 point margin for the winner. 

Our defense has traveled well.  Other than 2 plays in Carolina, we have been pretty solid.  Those two plays were because of Cam Newton and Foles isn't exactly Cam.

I am less nervous about this game as the New Orleans game.  Maybe because I just didn't want to see a "One and Done" after such a fantastic season.  I now feel we have accomplished something, even if it was to just stick a knife in the heart of the Saints fans and their organization.
I can see us winning in Philly but know that every game can be decided on things beyond our control. 
Not worried about home team records in NFC/AFC title games.  This team and Zimmer has been breaking the norm all year.
The big game I see is beyond the Eagles.  We are either going to be facing the Patriots or host the Eagles who will be against NE.  That's the game I am more worried about and we aren't even there yet.

The game plan to stop their offense should be an easy one. Sellout to stop Ajayi and force Nick Foles to beat you. I think we win that match up easy. Foles will resort to RPOs and Zimmer will be ready.

My biggest fear is Fletcher Cox wreaking havoc and causing turnovers. In a game of field goals and turnovers, it's anybody's game. Wouldn't surprise me one bit if this ended 9-6. 

my only real concern is the location... this team is so much better with the home crowd,  not saying they cant win in a hostile environment.. i would just feel better knowing they have 70,000 screaming berserkers behind them.

@"Wetlander" said: Here is why... "Philadelphia's home-field advantage matters more than you might realize. The past eight NFC/AFC title games have all been won by the home team." And this... "This season, two of the Vikings’ three losses came on the road on grass outdoor fields."

Not a factor.  Pittsburgh's loss(excuse) Bradford was a game time decision scratch and Pittsburgh's home opener.  I further don't think the Vikings put a lot of effort into that game based on the latter and the fact that it would not have a big impact in terms of tiebreakers.  The Carolina game we were without Effelien and lost another starter during the game.  despite that they were in position to win that game late.  Those two losses were not a result of the field or conditions

@"MaroonBells" said: The game plan to stop their offense should be an easy one. Sellout to stop Ajayi and force Nick Foles to beat you. I think we win that match up easy. Foles will resort to RPOs and Zimmer will be ready.

My biggest fear is Fletcher Cox wreaking havoc and causing turnovers. In a game of field goals and turnovers, it's anybody's game. Wouldn't surprise me one bit if this ended 9-6. 

What is RPO?

@"greediron" said:

@"MaroonBells" said: The game plan to stop their offense should be an easy one. Sellout to stop Ajayi and force Nick Foles to beat you. I think we win that match up easy. Foles will resort to RPOs and Zimmer will be ready.

My biggest fear is Fletcher Cox wreaking havoc and causing turnovers. In a game of field goals and turnovers, it's anybody's game. Wouldn't surprise me one bit if this ended 9-6. 

What is RPO?

@"Mike Olson" said: We beat the Packers on grass outside We beat the Browns on grass outside We beat the Redskins on grass outside We beat the Bears on grass outside

We lost convincingly to the Eagles last year on grass.  I know our OL was banged up but its somewhat banged up now.  Anyone who they should be underdogs is kidding themselves. 

@"AGRforever" said:

@"Mike Olson" said: We beat the Packers on grass outside We beat the Browns on grass outside We beat the Redskins on grass outside We beat the Bears on grass outside

We lost convincingly to the Eagles last year on grass.  I know our OL was banged up but its somewhat banged up now.  Anyone who they should be underdogs is kidding themselves. 

Two different teams a year apart.  We have more oline than they do And I'll go Case over Foles any day.  That was part of our collapse last year.  I'm seeing a different Vikings team now.