Fun game to watch, but it is hard to win when they score TDs and we score FGs. Real disappointed in Wentz's passing inconsistency — missed multiple receivers and threw up that bomb gift for the second interception? He gives up a pick6? Then he misses a lateral pass real bad and the ball bounces out of bounds for a 6-yard loss? I hope he can do a lot better? It was a disappointing loss.
Here are my 3 Ups and 3 Downs for the game:
1. 59-yard field goal by Reichard was nicely done. Too bad about the stalled drive.
2. Nice third quarter TD drive by the Vikings. It is about time!
3. Jordan Addison played great!
1. Eagles opening possession: 8-minute drive ending on a fourth-and-4 TD pass with literally no pressure on Jalen Hurts and a wide-open Eagles receiver? Craig, you could have caught that pass from Hurts? A real sad way to start.
2. We had two nice drives into the red zone — both ended in FGs? Snap over Carson's head on third down ruined our first chance for a TD. Then we had plenty of chances down low, and Wentz overthrew a TD pass and then on fourth down, we score, but we have a holding penalty take that off the board. We cannot win games unless we can finish drives with TDs. Plus, another stalled drive in the fourth quarter.
3. Couldn't score a TD at the 2-minute warning. Followed by not forcing an Eagles three-and-out after our FG with the game on the line.
Too bad we could not take advantage of any of the opportunities the Eagles gave us. Looking forward to the Chargers already.
Respectfully,
— Jeff Ludwig
Wentz's day was dotted with some nice moments and some plays he'd like to have back.
It's never ideal for a snap to airmail a 6-foot-5 QB and the QB to have to track the ball and land on it some 22 yards later. It was a really impressive kick by Reichard to salvage points after the miscue.
Aside from the Cincinnati game in Week 3, Wentz hasn't had the benefit of many snaps with the lead, and there were none on Sunday for Minnesota. He did seem to lock in a little bit better after scrambling and hitting a fade to Nailor with incredible touch.
While I appreciate Jeff's faith in my slow self to make the play, I will point out that Hurts played a perfect game in the eyes of passer rating. It was the third time ever for an Eagles QB to finish a game with a maxed-out (158.3 in the NFL) passer rating when attempting at least 10 passes. He also converted three third-and-9-plus situations by extending the plays. He's a good player, but he's found another gear against the Vikings in three career games.
Same thing for DeVonta Smith, who finished with a career-high 183 yards on nine receptions that were highlighted by a 79-yard score. That play set a new career long, topping his 63-yard TD against Minnesota in 2023.
The Vikings need to make fewer mistakes and protect the ball better, but if they do lose the football, they also need to get back to creating turnovers.
Sunday was the third consecutive game without a takeaway by Minnesota.