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**averkif** · 11-01-2005, 10:19 AM

I'd like to mention just a few things.

The Vikings have struggled against teams with good defenses all year. They have struggled to run the ball even though they have a few talented running backs. Without the threat of a solid run attack and with Moss not 100% (he looked really awful limping off the field after his interview) that poses problems for their offense.

Philly's defense has gotten worlds better since their meeting with the Vikings. 3/4ths of their secondary is starting for the NFC in the pro bowl and many people feel the corner that didn't make it (Brown) is actually better than Sheppard but didn't have the interceptions to prove it, They got better as the season went on and they gained more and more experience. Trotter moving to MLB and Siminau ( I can't spell his damn name and am too lazy to look it up) moving to weak side has helped their run defense dramatically, allowing them to use more of Jimmy Johnsons famed blitzing schemes. The Eagles defense finished 3rd in the league in points allowed and that with 2nd and 3rd stingers playing in their final two games.

Unlike last season when the Eagles were crippled going into the playoffs, they are relatively healthy (except TO of course) Especially on their defensive line where they had 6 players on IR going into the playoffs.

The offense might come out a little rusty, but how long does it take them to shake that rust off against a morbid defense? a drive? two? maybe a Quarter? On the last drive the Eagles starters played in they marched right down the field and scored a Touchdown against the Rams who's defense is comparable to the Vikings....and they did that without TO or Westbrook who did not play that game.

The Eagles Special teams are arguably the best in the NFC and Reid vs Tice is a no-brainer if it ever comes down to a battle of wits. Generally in the playoffs Overall Health, Defense, Special teams and coaching all loom large and the Eagles have the advantage in all those categories. The vikings (and Packers for that matter) are far too one-dimensional a team

Over the past two years there is a model for teams that have beaten the Eagles. All the teams fit the Model, Well coached teams with good defenses and effective but not really explosive offenses. The Eagles tend to match up well against teams like the Vikings that are built around offense and not much else

All that being said I wouldn't be suprised if the Vikings covered, but I personally don't think it's going to happen. As slob said, the Eagles are still the best team in the NFC, there is a reason they are heavily favored in this game and it has nothing to do with Randy Moss mooning Green bay fans.

11-01-2005, 10:19 AM	#11
averkif Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 405 Senior Member	I'd like to mention just a few things. The Vikings have struggled against teams with good defenses all year. They have struggled to run the ball even though they have a few talented running backs. Without the threat of a solid run attack and with Moss not 100% (he looked really awful limping off the field after his interview) that poses problems for their offense. Philly's defense has gotten worlds better since their meeting with the Vikings. 3/4ths of their secondary is starting for the NFC in the pro bowl and many people feel the corner that didn't make it (Brown) is actually better than Sheppard but didn't have the interceptions to prove it, They got better as the season went on and they gained more and more experience. Trotter moving to MLB and Siminau ( I can't spell his damn name and am too lazy to look it up) moving to weak side has helped their run defense dramatically, allowing them to use more of Jimmy Johnsons famed blitzing schemes. The Eagles defense finished 3rd in the league in points allowed and that with 2nd and 3rd stingers playing in their final two games. Unlike last season when the Eagles were crippled going into the playoffs, they are relatively healthy (except TO of course) Especially on their defensive line where they had 6 players on IR going into the playoffs. The offense might come out a little rusty, but how long does it take them to shake that rust off against a morbid defense? a drive? two? maybe a Quarter? On the last drive the Eagles starters played in they marched right down the field and scored a Touchdown against the Rams who's defense is comparable to the Vikings....and they did that without TO or Westbrook who did not play that game. The Eagles Special teams are arguably the best in the NFC and Reid vs Tice is a no-brainer if it ever comes down to a battle of wits. Generally in the playoffs Overall Health, Defense, Special teams and coaching all loom large and the Eagles have the advantage in all those categories. The vikings (and Packers for that matter) are far too one-dimensional a team Over the past two years there is a model for teams that have beaten the Eagles. All the teams fit the Model, Well coached teams with good defenses and effective but not really explosive offenses. The Eagles tend to match up well against teams like the Vikings that are built around offense and not much else All that being said I wouldn't be suprised if the Vikings covered, but I personally don't think it's going to happen. As slob said, the Eagles are still the best team in the NFC, there is a reason they are heavily favored in this game and it has nothing to do with Randy Moss mooning Green bay fans.
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