The Eagles escaped New England with a 25-20 win against the Patriots in Week 1. They return to action on Thursday night in Philadelphia against a Vikings team they have dominated in the past.
NFL Insider Brian Baldinger of the Audacy original podcast “In The Huddle” discussed the Eagles’ strong play against the Vikings and gave a prediction for Thursday night’s matchup.
“The Vikings don’t have the Patriots’ personnel,” Baldinger said (3:30 in player above). “They got some good defensive plays (in Week 1), but physically, they can’t stay with the Eagles, and I think they know it.”
The Vikings lost to Tampa Bay in a back-and-forth game against the Buccaneers in Week 1. They now face an even tougher test in Philadelphia.
The Eagles are taking a running-back-by-committee approach this season. Baldinger sees a busy night for one of the Birds’ newcomers.
“D’Andre Swift was not involved in the game last week,” he said. “So I think Swift will get busy, especially with Kenny Gainwell out.”
Swift only had one carry for three yards in his Eagles debut. The Philadelphia native should get a bit more work in his home debut.
There are also a few key pieces missing on the defensive side of the ball for the Birds. However, rookie Jalen Carter has looked the part thus far.
“This Jalen Carter might’ve been the best talent in the draft last year. He really showed up last week,” Baldinger continued. “I want to see if he can do it again this week. Physically, he was very dominant, and they need him to be good.”
This will be Carter’s first matchup against the Vikings, but luckily, Minnesota is a team that the Eagles have a good track record against.
“Minnesota has come to Philadelphia ever since that NFC Championship Game with Kirk Cousins they got blown out. They’ve been blown out last year, blown out the year before,” Baldinger said. “I don’t know if it’s a blowout tonight but the Eagles play the Vikings and Kirk Cousins really well.”