Eagles Defeat Vikings, 28-22: 10 Takeaways From Philadelphia’s Much-Needed Win
The Philadelphia Eagles limped into U.S. Bank Stadium to face the Minnesota Vikings as a team facing a fork in the road. After back-to-back losses, Philadelphia could have spiraled out of control like they did back in 2023 or learn from their mistakes like they did last season.
The Eagles chose the latter on Sunday, as Philadelphia never trailed during their 28-22 victory over the Vikings. While the Eagles earned a much-needed win on the road, it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows throughout the game.
Here are my 10 takeaways from Philadelphia’s bounce back victory in Week 7.
The DeVonta Smith Game
“The wheel that squeaks the loudest is the one that gets the grease.” In recent weeks, Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown sent a not-so-subtle message about the offense’s struggles and his lack of involvement. Meanwhile, Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith remained quiet.
While Brown was the squeaky wheel in recent weeks, Smith enjoyed a career-best performance against the Vikings in Week 7. Smith hauled in nine receptions for 183 yards and one touchdown. It was an unbelievable showing that helped jumpstart Philadelphia’s struggling passing attack.
Jalen Hurts Was Perfect, Literally
Despite a slow start through the first six weeks of the regular season, Jalen Hurts put on a masterclass in Minnesota. Hurts completed 19-of-23 passes for 326 yards and three touchdowns. The former Super Bowl MVP finished the game with a perfect passer rating of 158.3.
Hurts created several plays out of structure, as Philadelphia’s offense looked much better in scrambling situations. Hurts directed Brown downfield on a play that resulted in a 37-yard touchdown on Philadelphia’s opening drive. It was a masterful performance from Hurts when the Eagles needed him the most.
One Step Forward, Two Steps Back for OL
The Eagles got off to a hot start with a 12-play, 75-yard opening drive that resulted in a touchdown. It felt like Philadelphia’s offensive line was finally finding their stride with Landon Dickerson back in the starting lineup.
Yet Eagles center Cam Jurgens exited the game with a knee injury after playing just 15 snaps. Brett Toth replaced Jurgens at center and there was a clear drop-off in play. If Jurgens is forced to miss a significant amount of time, the Eagles should give rookie Drew Kendall a look at center.
The Running Game Is Still Broken
Eagles superstar running back had six carries for 29 rushing yards on Philadelphia’s first two possessions. It felt like the Eagles had finally figured out their issues on the ground. Yet Philadelphia’s hot start didn’t last for too long.
Once Jurgens exited the game with a knee injury, Barkley struggled to move the ball on the ground. He had 12 carries for just 15 rushing yards after the Eagles lost their starting center. The Eagles nearly had the running game figured out against the Vikings, until they didn’t.
Hello, Under-Center Offense!
Prior to Week 7, Philadelphia’s offense hardly utilized under-center looks. Yet the Eagles completely flipped the script against the Vikings and had 20 plays from under center on Sunday.
While my initial thought was that Philadelphia leaned into an under-center offense after Jurgens left the game with an injury, that wasn’t the case. Five of their 15 plays were from under-center with Jurgens in the game. The Eagles even utilized Fred Johnson as a sixth offensive linemen instead of a second tight end.
The under-center looks opened up plenty of possibilities in the air as well. According to Sheil Kapadia via TruMedia, the Eagles had zero passing yards from under-center play-action in the first six weeks of the regular season.
In Week 7, Hurts completed 4-of-4 passes for 121 yards and one touchdown on under-center play-action plays against the Vikings. The Eagles reintroduced a wrinkle on offense and now they need to build on it moving forward.
The Pass Rush Is (Almost) There
The Vikings allowed three or more sacks in each of their first five games this season. Yet the Eagles were only able to record two sacks in Minnesota on Sunday. It was a disappointing showing by Philadelphia’s defense but there were signs of growth.
Jalen Carter recorded six total pressures including a big hit on Carson Wentz, which forced a pick six. Jalyx Hunt recorded five total pressures and nearly had a strip sack. It was a promising showing from two of Philadelphia’s starters, despite neither recording a sack.
There are 37 players in the NFL with 21 or more total pressures in 2025, according to Pro Football Focus. Carter and Hunt are the only two players in that group that haven’t recorded a sack. Philadelphia’s pass rush could finally break through soon.
Run Defense Remains an Underrated Issue
It looks like the Eagles held Minnesota’s rushing attack in check, on paper. Vikings running back Jordan Mason had 15 carries for just 57 yards. Yet it felt like Philadelphia’s run defense was struggling at times but the Vikings would fail to attack it.
For example, on Minnesota’s opening drive of the second half, Mason had five carries for 34 rushing yards. But then Carson Wentz was called for an intentional grounding penalty, they settled for a field goal and the Vikings basically never ran the ball again.
Mason had just two carries throughout the remainder of the second half. The Vikings completely abandoned the running game with Mason and questionably opted to have Wentz throw 42 times instead. It was an odd decision that certainly helped the Eagles.
The Drew Mukuba Experience
When the Eagles traded away veteran safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson in the offseason, they understood that they were taking a risk. Eagles rookie safety Drew Mukuba has been forced to learn on the job in Philadelphia and it hasn’t always been pretty.
Mukuba made several mistakes against the Vikings, including two missed tackles. Yet he also had an interception and made a big hit on a goal line stand. The Eagles made a relatively big bet on Mukuba at safety and now they need to live with his growing pains in 2025.
Welcome Back, Nakobe Dean!
Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean technically made his return against the New York Giants in Week 6. Yet he only played just six snaps and they were all on special teams. Dean’s role drastically changed against the Vikings.
He played 31 defensive snaps in Minnesota, as he filled in for rookie Jihaad Campbell, who moved outside to edge rusher. Dean looked fast and finished third on the team with six tackles. It was a promising showing for Dean and his role should continue to increase moving forward.
Xavier Gipson Is Here To Stay at Returner
It was tough to watch the Eagles attempt to return a kick through the first six weeks of the regular season. Tank Bigsby, John Metchie III and A.J. Dillon took turns bobbling nearly every kickoff return opportunity that they had.
Despite being on the 53-man roster for several weeks, Xavier Gipson was finally active in Week 7. Gipson didn’t bobble a single kickoff return and consistently gave the Eagles solid field position. Philadelphia’s kickoff return unit looked drastically better with Gipson and Will Shipley back there.