The Philadelphia Eagles secured the Wild-Card when they hammered the Cowboys 44- 6 in week 17, while the Vikings secured their post-season spot by beating the Giants 20-19 on a last second field goal.
Team Stats
The Eagles’ passing game, which gained 244.4 YPG, was the strongest part of their offense. Still, the team put a decent ground attack together, averaging 106.1 YPG. The team scored an average of 24 PPG and allowed 18 PPG, giving them a solid PF/PA average of plus-6.
The Minnesota Vikings utilized the rush especially well, gaining an average of 145.8 YPG. Their passing attack, which was good for 184.8 YPG, proved to be inconsistent. The club’s defense was solid versus the run, letting teams garner just 76.9 YPG. But their secondary allowed 215.6 YPG in the air. The team scored an average of 23.7 PPG and allowed 21 PPG, making them plus-2.7 in PF/PA.
Personnel
QB Donovan McNabb (3,916 YDs, 60.4 COMP%, 23 TDs, 11 INTs, 23 SCKS, 86.4 RAT) has been sound this season. His favorite target is talented rookie wideout DeSean Jackson (912 YDs, 14.7 YPC, 2 TDs). Veteran back Brian Westbrook (936 YDs, 4.6 YPC, 9 TDs) offers excellent moves. Westbrook is also a solid receiver, having caught 54 passes for 402 yards and five touchdowns.
Late in the season, Minnesota saw quarterback Tarvaris Jackson (1,056 YDs, 59.1 COMP%, 9 TDs, 2 INTs, 14 SCKS, 95.4 RAT) step up big time. Jackson, who was benched part way through the season, replaced Gus Frerotte after he was injured. Running back Adrian Peterson (1,760 YDs, 4.8 YPC, 10 TDs) is the team’s primary offensive weapon. Wide receiver Bernard Berrian (964 YDs, 20.1 YPC, 7 TDs) will play Sunday despite an ankle injury.
Keys to the Game
Philadelphia *McNabb needs to play like the talented vet he is. *Utilize both passing and ground games. *Defense must stop Peterson and pressure Jackson into making mistakes.
Minnesota *Don’t ask too much of QB Jackson. *Grind out yards using Peterson and control time of possession. *Keep pressure on McNabb.
My Pick: Philadelphia by 10.