Eagles run past Vikings, Jalen Hurts shines in 34-28 win
The Philadelphia Eagles improved to 2-0 on the season with a thrilling 34-28 victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday night at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles relied on their rushing attack and their defence to overcome a four-touchdown performance by Kirk Cousins.
The Eagles ran for 260 yards on 35 carries, averaging 7.4 yards per attempt. D’Andre Swift led the way with 175 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries, while Jalen Hurts added 35 yards and two scores on nine shots. Hurts also threw for 193 yards and a touchdown, connecting with DeVonta Smith for a 75-yard bomb in the third quarter.
The Vikings had a chance to tie the game in the final minute, but Darius Slay intercepted Cousins in the end zone. Cousins finished with 364 yards and four touchdowns on 33-of-44 passing but also lost two fumbles and threw two picks. Justin Jefferson was his favourite target, catching 11 passes for 159 yards.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with six lead changes and no team leading by more than six points. The Eagles took a 10-7 lead in the first quarter after Hurts scored on a one-yard sneak and Jake Elliott kicked a 52-yard field goal. The Vikings responded with two touchdowns by T.J. Hockenson, who caught six passes for 66 yards.
The Eagles regained the lead in the second quarter after Swift broke free for a 65-yard touchdown run, and Hurts ran in another one-yard score. The Vikings cut the deficit to 24-21 at halftime after Cousins hit K.J. Osborn for a 12-yard touchdown.
The third quarter saw both teams exchange big plays, as Smith caught his long touchdown pass from Hurts, and Jordan Addison answered with a 58-yard catch from Cousins. The Eagles led 31-28 entering the fourth quarter.
The only points in the final period came from Elliott, who nailed a 54-yard field goal with 6:12 left to make it 34-28. The Vikings had two drives to tie or win the game, but both ended with turnovers. The first was a fumble by Alexander Mattison, whom Fletcher Cox stripped. The second one was the interception by Slay, who jumped in front of Jefferson to seal the win for the Eagles.
The Eagles improved their record against the Vikings to 15-15 all-time, including playoffs. They avenged their loss to the Vikings in the NFC Championship Game in 2022, when they were blown out 38-7. The Eagles will look to stay undefeated when they host the Washington Football Team in Week 3. The Vikings will try to get their first win when they visit the Green Bay Packers in Week 3.
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