After weeks of questionable offensive performances and questions surrounding the Philadelphia Eagles, they made a resounding statement in their Week 7 victory over Minnesota. Jalen Hurts and the passing game, which has been the focus of much of the criticism, stepped up in a big way to lead the Eagles to victory. They needed a resounding performance to silence doubts, and that’s exactly what they got.
Philadelphia Eagles stars step up in victory over Minnesota to send emphatic message
eagles vs chiefs
Sep 4, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) against the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Jalen Hurts Steps Up
After the Eagles lost in Week 6 to the New York Giants, Hurts was the center of criticism for missed opportunities and turnovers. He responded by playing possibly his best game as a pro. He routinely was hitting receivers in stride deep downfield, looking to be in complete command at all times. Because of this, the offense was able to find some rhythm led by Hurts and his downfield passing. This much was evident from the very first drive of the game.
The first drive included the Eagles facing a 4th and 4 from the Minnesota 37. They decided to be aggressive right away and go for it instead of kicking a long field goal. They were rewarded with Hurts hitting A.J. Brown in stride for a 37-yard touchdown, giving the Eagles an early lead. This pass was a sign of more things to come later in the game.
Jalen Hurts on 10+ yard throws vs Vikings
🦅 9/12
🦅 284 yards
🦅 3 TDs
🦅 5 Big Time Throws pic.twitter.com/steX4viRZN
— PFF (@PFF) October 19, 2025
The offense went back to struggling in the first half, unable to get the running game going. Because of this, the focus shifted back to the passing game in the second half. On the offense’s second play from scrimmage in the second half, Hurts hit DeVonta Smith on a perfectly placed deep ball for a 79-yard score. He wasn’t done there either, connecting with Brown again for a 26-yard touchdown on a great anticipation throw, and one more to Brown to ice the game.
In a game the Eagles desperately needed, Hurts was unbelievable. There is an argument that he turned in the best performance a quarterback has had in the NFL this season. Hurts became the first player to record a perfect passer rating of 158.3. Additionally, he turned in a quarterback rating of 95.2. He also did this all on 23 pass attempts, averaging 14.2 yards per attempt.
Simply put, Jalen Hurts was elite against the Vikings. The Eagles are a team with flaws. If their quarterback is playing like this, though, they will be able to cover up many of those flaws and have a real chance to repeat as champions.
A.J. Brown Trade
Nov 5, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) celebrates with wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) after his touchdown catch during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith are the best wide receiver duo in the NFL
The slow start to the season from the passing game also kept Brown and Smith from having a breakout performance. The receivers took a backseat as the Eagles tried to get the running game going. The Eagles needed them to step up to beat the Vikings, though, and that’s exactly what they did.
Brown and Smith combined for a monster day. The two collectively had 13 catches for 304 yards and three touchdowns. With controversy involving Brown to start the season, it was a sigh of relief for the Eagles to have a performance like this. It also may have provided the Eagles a recipe to rely on moving forward.
Obviously, the Eagles shouldn’t just abandon their run game. Saquon Barkley is still one of the best players in the league. But it may be time to transition to a team that starts with the passing game. After a massive game from the Eagles’ two receivers, it should serve as a nice reminder to the Eagles’ offensive coaches that they don’t always need to be a run-first team. With an excellent quarterback like Jalen Hurts and the best receiving duo in the league, the Eagles should be more willing to air it out.