The Eagles' defensive line might never face a worse pass-blocking offensive line than they did last week against the New York Jets. So no, 10 sacks shouldn't be expected this Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings.
That being said, for the second week in a row, the Eagles' defensive line is once again going into a matchup against an offensive line that they should be expected to dominate — and this week, it is especially important that Fletcher Cox leads the way.
Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins might be the subject of plenty of jokes in Philadelphia, but the reality is that if he is given time to operate in the pocket on Sunday, chances are the Eagles will not leave Minnesota with a win. Cousins has good numbers against the Eagles in his career and beat them last year with the Vikings in Philadelphia. He goes into this matchup knowing the big advantage his wide receivers have over the Eagles' cornerbacks.
The Eagles' defensive line needs to make sure he doesn't get to exploit that matchup.
For as much talent as the Vikings have, one issue they do have is along the offensive line. The Vikings have allowed 11 sacks in their five games so far, and according to Football Outsiders, their offensive line is 24th in the league in pass protection. Pro Football Focus has the Vikings ranked 31st in pass protection, ahead of only the Miami Dolphins.
The main issues for the Vikings have been the interior of the line. Rookie center Garrett Bradbury has struggled, and although it is still early in the first-round pick's career, he does not seem anywhere near ready to handle a player like Cox. It hasn't helped Bradbury that the guards on both sides of him — Pat Elflien and Josh Kline — have struggled as well.
Cox should be able to win any one-on-one matchup he gets, but the question is will he?
Although he showed signs of improving against the Jets, there is no denying that Cox has not been the same dominant player in 2019 that he was in 2018. After finishing with 10.5 sacks in 2018, Cox has yet to bring down the quarterback this year, and has hit the quarterback just twice.
It is crucial he builds on a strong game vs. the Jets last week and dominates his very winnable matchup this Sunday. If he does, Cousins has shown he is more than willing to throw the ball up when under pressure and make crucial mistakes. There is nothing a quarterback hates more than pressure right up the middle of the pocket. It is up to Cox to make that happen.
If he does, chances are the Eagles will win on Sunday, collecting a crucial win right at the start on their three-game road trip.
You can reach Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks or email him at esp@94wip.com!
