The Wide World of Dirt

Well, I am at least 100% on my Eagles prediction so far! Yay me! Let’s dive into what I saw in my Eagles and what to look ahead for their Monday Night matchup against the Minnesota Vikings.

Hurts so Good

This was the type of game that Jalen Hurts needed in order for this franchise to believe in him long term. After a rough first drive in which he started 0/5, Hurts finished the game with 18/32 for 243 yards, 17 carries for 90 yards and a rushing TD.

The statlines may not show an elite game, but if you watched you saw how impactful Hurts was. The Eagles don’t win this game without Hurts. He put the team on his back and was able to lead this team to victory. That is what franchise quarterbacks do.

AJ Brown is really an Eagle

What a world!

I cannot thank the Tennessee Titans organization enough for handing us AJ Brown. He is EASILY the most talented WR to dawn midnight green since Terrell Owens was in town. I liked DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, and Alshon Jeffery.

However, they are not in the same league as Brown. In his first game as an Eagle, he showed why. Brown hauled in 10 catches for 155 yards.

He was dominant. The Lions had no answers for him, and I am not sure many other teams will fare better. It is absolutely exciting to have a true number 1 WR again. 

Jonathan Gannon needs to step it up

The Eagles have a coaching issue, and it isn’t Nick Sirianni. Last year, Jonathan Gannon was the subject of fan ire. If week one is any indication, that will be the same story this season. 

Allowing 35 points in a game is bad…but it’s even worse when it’s a Jared Goff-led Lions team. His rotations on the defensive line is head scratching.

HOW DOES JORDAN DAVIS LOG ONLY 22 SNAPS?! His coverages are confusing. WHY DO YOU HAVE HASSON REDDICK DROPPING INTO COVERAGE WHEN HE IS A PASS RUSHER?!

I am sick and tired of the “bend but don’t break” defensive approach. In the end, you will always break. It might not be this week, but it could be the next.

Last year the excuse was he didn’t have the players for his scheme. I understand that to an extent. After the moves made this off-season to improve the defense? Unacceptable.

I wish the Houston Texans hired him last year, so I wouldn’t have to sit through another year of his aggressive approach. 

Onto the Vikings

As I said in my season preview, this game is the hardest one I had to decide on. I still don’t know what the Vikings are.

Sure, they trounced Aaron Rodgers and the Packers last week in a 23-7 victory. Sure, Justin Jefferson had a MONSTER game with 9 catches for 184 yards and 2 TDs.

HOWEVER, we all know Kirk Cousins fails when the spotlight is on him, especially in primetime. I know Jalen Reagor (former Eagles draft bust) says he has “revenge on his mind” for this game.

Let’s be honest, is getting a scratch or muffing a punt his idea of revenge?

No, the reason I am afraid of this team is solely Justin Jefferson. He will show everyone in attendance why he should have been in midnight green.

While I am BEYOND excited for the Brown and Smith duo, not having Jefferson will always sting. I think waking up Tuesday morning will sting a bit more for Eagles fans.