PHILADELPHIA — Carson Wentz was on the sideline for both of the Eagles’ Super Bowl victories.
First was the 2017 season, when a torn ACL ended the quarterback’s MVP-caliber campaign after an 11-2 start. Journeyman Nick Foles, whom the Eagles had drafted years earlier, stepped in like a folk hero down the stretch and ultimately outdueled the Patriots’ Tom Brady to wrangle the franchise’s first Lombardi Trophy.
The second was last February’s Super Bowl LIX championship in New Orleans over the Kansas City Chiefs, for whom Wentz was serving as Patrick Mahomes’ backup.
The Eagles head to Minneapolis — site of their Super Bowl LII crown — Sunday looking to snap a two-game skid, and they’ll have to do it against Wentz, whom they made the No. 2 overall pick in 2016 and later extended for $150 million.
Wentz, himself now a journeyman with his sixth team, will make his fourth start of the season in place of the injured J.J. McCarthy, turning what was already a pivotal Week 7 matchup into a reunion with added edge.
“It feels like multiple lifetimes ago. I’m thankful for it,” Wentz said of his time in Philadelphia. “They went and got me at a high pick, all the things. … I grew up as a man. I got married, had a kid while I was there.
“There’s so many life changes that took place there. So, grateful for my time there. Obviously, it came to an end rather abruptly, but I’m grateful for all the opportunities I had while I was there. … I remember sitting there, watching them win from the sideline in that (Minneapolis) building. It’s a crazy experience, but I still appreciate all of it.”
For Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, the matchup carries additional texture: The team drafted Hurts in 2020, while Wentz was still the starting QB. Asked about Wentz during the week, Hurts offered measured respect.
“I enjoyed my time with Carson,” he said. “I learned a lot from him. I was always a pure student, taking everything in through my experience with him. So I think right now, (I’m) trying to set the best example I can, knowing the things I was able to experience.”
Stakes and numbers
The Eagles (4-2) enter Week 7 trying to reverse a slide that’s exposed real issues. They rank near the bottom of the league in total offense and passing yardage, and running the ball has been a struggle behind a beaten-up O-line.
The defense has been steadier, for the most part, but the unit has spent too much time on the field in recent weeks.
The Vikings (3-2), coming off their bye, have quietly built one of the NFL’s stingier pass defenses under coordinator Brian Flores, who’s big on pressure and surprises.
Wentz has completed 69% of his throws for 759 yards, five touchdowns and two interceptions with a 99.5 passer rating since stepping in for McCarthy. His only other start against the Eagles was with Washington in 2022. The Birds sacked him nine times and beat the Commanders 24-8.
Minnesota has leaned on Jordan Mason (323 rushing yards, 3 TDs) and elite wideout Justin Jefferson, who leads the team with 449 yards on 29 receptions. Jordan Addison, Jalen Nailor and tight end T.J. Hockenson round out a talented group of targets.
Jefferson racked up 1,533 yards and 10 TDs last season with free-agent quarterback Sam Darnold, whom Minnesota let walk away to Seattle in the offseason in favor of McCarthy.
Key matchups
The Eagles’ offensive line will have to contend with a Vikings front that’s kept opposing passers uncomfortable all season. Protection issues have stalled drives, particularly in third-and-medium spots where the offense has grown predictable.
And then there’s cornerback Isaiah Rodgers, another familiar face. The former Eagle signed a two-year deal with the Vikes this past spring. He was a contributor during last season’s Super Bowl run, and now the Birds are thin at their second outside corner spot. His knowledge of the Eagles’ tendencies adds an intriguing wrinkle.
Eagles defensive tackles Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis will need to generate a push up front with the Eagles’ perimeter still in flux. Linebackers Jihaad Campbell, Zack Baun and/or Nakobe Dean may see snaps on the edge.
Top corner Quinyon Mitchell is likely to shadow Jefferson all day.
Injury watch
The Eagles’ Friday injury report included several key names: DT Carter (heel) and LG Landon Dickerson (ankle) are questionable, though Carter had said he plans to play. TE Grant Calcaterra (oblique) is out.
CB Mitchell (hamstring) was a full participant in Friday’s practice.
Minnesota’s list is longer: OLB Andrew Van Ginkel (neck) is out. McCarthy (ankle); T Brian O’Neill (knee); C Michael Jurgens (hamstring), no relation to Eagles C Cam Jurgens; DL Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins (hip); L Blake Cashman (hamstring) and EDGE Tyler Batty (knee) are all questionable.
Pregame position grades
Here’s how the teams match up heading into Sunday, based on health and how they’ve been playing recently. Performances will be evaluated postgame.
QB: Eagles B+, Vikings C
RB: Eagles B+, Vikings C+
TE: Eagles A-, Vikings A-
WR: Eagles A, Vikings C
OL: Eagles B-, Vikings C
DL: Viking A-, Eagles B
LB: Eagles A, Vikings B
CB: Vikings A-, Eagles B
S: Eagles B+, Vikings B+
ST: Eagles B, Vikings B
On the air
Eagles (4-2) at Vikings (3-2), Sunday, 1 p.m., U.S. Bank Stadium.
TV: FOX 29: Adam Amin, Greg Olsen and Pam Oliver.
Radio/streaming: 94.1-FM WIP: Merrill Reese, Mike Quick and Devan Kaney. Tico: Rickie Ricardo, Oscar Budejen and David Gerhardt. Compass: Chris Carrino and Brian Baldinger.
Betting odds
Spread: Eagles by 2 1/2.
Over/under: 43 1/2.
Money line: Eagles -135, Vikings +115.
Barkley on Franklin
As a side note, running back Saquon Barkley discussed last Sunday’s firing of James Franklin, the coach who recruited him to Penn State.
“For me, seeing Coach Franklin get fired definitely hurts,” Barkley said Friday. “That’s the guy that gave me my shot. He’s a big reason why Penn State … I’ve just got nothing but respect for Coach Franklin, not just as a coach, but as a man. … Him and his family … He put a lot of himself into that program over there, and it sucks to see him go.”
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Follow Christiaan DeFranco on X at @the_defranc.
Source: Berkshire mont
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