Five Questions Week Seven: Vikings at Eagles
This week the Minnesota Vikings will square off against the Philadelphia Eagles. Each week is different. Every game allows for different avenues of discussion and different questions. This week’s edition of five questions catches up on the hottest topics surrounding Mike Zimmer’s bunch.
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1. Vikings gameplay against the Eagles?
After a bye week, Minnesota is looking to return and separate themselves from the rest of the NFC. How can the Vikings earn yet another victory? Well, there is no one absolute way. They travel to Philadelphia on Sunday to take on the Eagles. Philly sports a roster loaded with talent. On the defensive side of the ball they are led by Fletcher Cox, while Carson Wentz leads the way on offense. Rookie quarterbacks tend to have a bad history against Mike Zimmer and it shouldn’t change here. Look for the Vikings to get after Wentz with the pass rush and turn the tide in their favor early.
2. How will Sam Bradford do in his return to Philadelphia?
Only a couple of months ago, Bradford was representing the Eagles. Now, Bradford wears purple and gold and will be lining up against his former team. He has begun his tenure in Minnesota very well and it shouldn’t stop here. If any quarterback knows the Philadelphia defense, it’s Bradford. He knows their schemes and tendencies from lining up against them in practice. His experience should bode well for Minnesota. The Vikings should be able to move the ball well if Bradford continues on his hot streak.
3. Jake Long to start?
Minnesota recently signed free agent offensive tackle, Jake Long, over the bye week. There has been much speculation that he could possibly start this Sunday afternoon. It may be a little premature, but their is a solid chance that Long will eventually crack the starting lineup. From learning a new playbook, to getting on the same page with the rest of the unit, Long will have quite the challenge facing him. However, Vikings’ fans may remember a similar situation at quarterback earlier this year. It took Bradford just two weeks to become comfortable; now is Long’s turn.
4. Stefon Diggs to return?
Stefon Diggs missed week five against Houston but hopes are that it will be his only week out. Diggs returned to practice on Wednesday and Thursday, participating in a limited role. As of now it’s best the team takes every precaution possible with their standout wide receiver. Hopefully his workload will increase before Sunday and he’ll be ready to roll against the Eagles.
5. Vikings finding a way to utilize Patterson?
It is clear, it is evident. Cordarrelle Patterson needs to be on the field. He can score from anywhere on the field with his dynamic athleticism and elusiveness. Now, he’s making a major impact in the passing game, providing Sam Bradford a big bodied target with advantages in the red zone. Vikings’ offensive coordinator, Norv Turner, must keep utilizing Patterson’s talent to give Minnesota the x-factor they need.
Wrap up
That does it for this week’s edition of five questions. Minnesota is coming back healthier after the bye. Should they continue from where they left off, the Vikings could have one special season.
Austin Erwin writes for cover32 and covers the Minnesota Vikings. He can be followed on Twitter @austin_erwin. Like and follow vikings32 on Facebook and Twitter.
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