Last season, the Minnesota Vikings faced the Philadelphia Eagles in week two on Monday night at Lincoln Financial Field. Things didn’t go very well for them as they lost the game 24-7.
This season, the Vikings take on the Eagles in week two at Lincoln Financial Field, but this time the game is on Thursday night.
Buy Vikings TicketsGoing into the game, the Vikings don’t have a 1-0 record like they did last season, as they lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20-17.
As the Vikings prepare for the defending Super Bowl runner-up, there are plenty of things to be positive about. Our staff each picked one player to watch in Thursday’s game.
Managing Editor Tyler Forness: WR Justin Jefferson
Last season against the Eagles, Justin Jefferson only caught six of his 12 targets for 48 yards, including Eagles cornerback Darius Slay intercepting quarterback Kirk Cousins twice among those targets. He did a great job of shutting down the superstar wide receiver and was able to do it with little to no help. Seeing how Jefferson will evolve going against a player who took it to him last season will show a lot about his growth as a player.
Columnists Judd Zulgad: QB Kirk Cousins
The Vikings quarterback had one of his worst games of 2022 in Week 2 at Philadelphia, throwing only one touchdown with three interceptions and a 51.1 passer rating in a 24-7 Monday night loss. Cousins will be looking to help the Vikings rebound from a 20-17 season-opening loss against Tampa Bay and he will be doing it against an Eagles team that advanced to the Super Bowl last season. The Eagles, who won their season opener at New England, had one of the NFL’s best defenses a year ago and will make life difficult on Cousins and Co.
Columnist Kevin Fielder: ILB Brian Asamoah II
Brian Asamoah II played just two snaps against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but it’s likely that he’ll receive more snaps against the Eagles. If that’s the case, then he’ll have to be on his “A-game” against a rushing attack that will feature up to three different backs, including D’Andre Swift and Kenneth Gainwell. There’s also the little task of containing Jalen Hurts, a dual-threat quarterback who’s burned teams on the ground if you don’t been an eye on him.
Columnist Saivion Mixson: RB Alexander Mattison
Mattison had a quiet day against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, gaining only 34 yards on 11 carries. The Vikings passing game had low moments, and the run game was not effective enough to give Cousins and company any relief. Minnesota heads to face the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday, and their defense will be more difficult to throw the ball against with their relentless pass rush mixed with their talented secondary. Mattison and Ty Chandler must contribute more to the Vikings’ offense to stay competitive in this game.
