The Vikings’ quarterback drama has obscured the surprising cause of their current mediocrity.
They have three losses. All three were the result of defensive lapses.
* Jalen Hurts to pass for a season-high 326 yards, complete a season-best 79-yard pass, and tie season bests with three touchdown throws and an 82.6 completion percentage.
* DeVonta Smith to set season highs in catches (nine) and yards (183) and score just his second touchdown of the season.
* A.J. Brown to set a season high with 121 yards and two touchdowns. He also had only one receiving touchdown before Sunday.
The Vikings were able to sack Hurts three times, but when he had time, he looked as unbothered as a man playing darts in a quiet pub.
The game was scoreless when the Eagles faced fourth-and-4 at the Vikings 37 in the first quarter. Vikings defensive coordinator [Brian Flores](https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-vikings-training-camp-brian-flores-defense/601415606) called for a three-man pass rush, with inside linebacker Blake Cashman spying — hovering at the line of scrimmage to prevent a quarterback run.
Brown went in motion from right to left, and it looked like Vikings cornerback Isaiah Rodgers, [who has had an outstanding season](https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-vikings-isaiah-rodgers-philadelphia-eagles-nfl-week-7/601488559), would pick him up. But when Brown went wide, Rodgers stayed inside and took tight end Dallas Goedert, forcing safety Josh Metellus to take Brown.