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Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith. Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

'TNF' preview: Why Eagles WRs could put up huge numbers vs. Vikings

By Eric Smithling | Last updated 9/13/23

The Vikings aim to avoid an 0-2 start while the Eagles hope to play a full 60 minutes when the teams meet on "Thursday Night Football" in Philadelphia. Here's what to watch:

When the Eagles are on offense

Jalen Hurts: The fourth-year QB had a quiet start in Philadelphia's 25-20 win over New England in Week 1. The Eagles built an early 16-0 lead, but the offense sputtered afterward with four consecutive three-and-outs. Hurts finished a pedestrian 22-of-33 passing for 170 yards and a touchdown and lost a fumble. The Minnesota defense is suspect, so he should significantly boost his numbers.

Blitzing... lots of blitzing: Data from Pro Football Focus shows the Vikings blitzed Tampa Bay quarterback Baker Mayfield on 55.3 percent of his dropbacks in their 20-17 upset loss in Week 1 under new defensive coordinator Brian Flores. The Vikings only blitzed on 15.4 percent of Hurts' dropbacks in last season's 24-7 loss to the Eagles.

Against the Patriots, Hurts was 7-of-13 for 57 yards and a touchdown when blitzed but only 3-of-11 for 10 yards when under duress. With Flores' penchant for sending multiple defenders at the quarterback, expect one-on-one matchups for Philadelphia on the outside.

Eagles wide receivers vs. Vikings secondary: Minnesota may have a tough time stopping wide receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. In last season's game, they combined for 12 receptions on 15 targets for 149 yards. In Week 1 versus Tampa Bay, the Vikings secondary allowed 15 receptions for 135 yards and two touchdowns to Bucs wide receivers.

Muddled Eagles backfield: The running back room remains a mystery. Kenneth Gainwell led the backfield by commanding 62.3 percent of the offensive snap counts and gaining 74 yards on 18 touches against New England, but he was not a participant at practice Tuesday (ribs).

Blankenship, Bradberry and Gainwell remain sidelined with Vikings game two days away. pic.twitter.com/S8OobSdtch
— Tim McManus (@Tim_McManus) September 12, 2023

D'Andre Swift (17 snaps) and Boston Scott (eight snaps) also received playing time but only combined for 13 yards on four touches.

When the Vikings are on offense

Justin Jefferson: The Vikings All-Pro wide receiver lit up the Bucs with 150 receiving yards in Week 1 and also had one of the biggest hits of the opening weekend after a costly red-zone interception by Kirk Cousins.

Bucs INT at the goal line!

: #TBvsMIN on CBS
: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/G4uoYVOqQn pic.twitter.com/DauoqZ1OqE
— NFL (@NFL) September 10, 2023

The Eagles' depth in the secondary could be tested if safety Reed Blankenship (ribs) and corner James Bradberry (concussion) are inactive, although cornerback Darius Slay is more than up to the task. Last year, Slay held Jefferson to one reception for seven yards on six targets. (Jefferson had 48 yards receiving overall on six catches.)

Jalen Carter: The No. 10 overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft was the best rookie in Week 1, according to Pro Football Focus. The defensive tackle's eight pressures were the most among all interior defensive linemen. The Eagles could exploit a potential mismatch by lining him over right guard Ed Ingram, who allowed a team-high four pressures against the Bucs, including the only sack on Cousins.

Alexander Mattison: Minnesota expects more from lead back Mattison, the replacement for Dalvin Cook, who was released during the offseason. Mattison gained 34 yards on 11 carries against Tampa Bay, 11 yards less than expected, per NFL Next Gen Stats. Patriots lead running back Rhamondre Stevenson was held to 25 yards on 12 carries against the Eagles, 20 yards less than expected.

Kirk Cousins vs. pass rush: Minnesota's offensive line did a good job protecting Cousins against Tampa Bay. He was blitzed on 53.2 percent of his dropbacks but only pressured at a rate of 27.7 percent (h/t PFF). Rookie Carter shined in his debut but isn't the only weapon the Eagles have up front.

The Eagles pressured Patriots quarterback Mac Jones on 31 percent of his dropbacks despite blitzing 19 percent of the time. The Eagles have solid depth along the defensive line, including prolific edge-rusher Haason Reddick, who was second on the team with five pressures in Week 1.

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