NFC championship: Three reasons the Vikings lost to the Eagles

Alec Brzezinski

NFC championship: Three reasons the Vikings lost to the Eagles image

When Case Keenum and Stefon Diggs connected for a miracle touchdown last week to beat the Saints, it appeared the Vikings looked destined for the Super Bowl. But that was not the case.

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Minnesota scored first Sunday against the Eagles, but watched as Philadelphia ended the game with 38 unanswered points to win 38-7. The Vikings' dream run came to an end, but they still enjoyed a great surprise season.

Here are three reasons why the Vikings lost to the Eagles:

1. Turnovers — Keenum threw two interceptions — one for a touchdown — and lost a fumble, which resulted in points for Philadelphia. Keenum, who stepped in admirably all season for Sam Bradford looked overwhelmed by the Eagles' second-ranked defense. He consistently looked a step behind Philadelphia, and struggled to adjust to blitz schemes.

Having scored first, the Vikings looked ready to make noise in a hostile environment, but Nick Foles outperformed Keenum. The Eagles were great at forcing turnovers all season, and the Vikings were the latest team to feel their wrath.

2. The Vikings couldn't muster any run game — Clock management was a problem for the Vikings, as they were unable to maintain long drives to soak up the clock. Continuously playing defense on the road is tough, and Minnesota's defense looked sluggish. Vikings running backs Jerick McKinnon and Latavius Murray combined for just 58 yards on 16 carries, with a long run of just 10 yards.

The loss of rookie Dalvin Cook went under the radar during the Vikings' winning streak, but his shiftiness and aggression out of the backfield would have been welcomed in this game. 

3. Minnesota's defense looked overwhelmed — Ranked sixth in total defense (yards allowed per game) during the regular season, the Vikings consistently proved to be stingy for opposing teams. But the Eagles shredded through their secondary like a knife Sunday, as Foles threw for 352 yards and three touchdowns.

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The Vikings allowed 456 yards from scrimmage in the loss, including 85 yards and two touchdowns to wide receiver Alshon Jeffery. Xavier Rhodes, an elite cover corner, was torched a couple of times, and the front seven failed to create pressure on the Eagles' offensive line. After having a strong bite all season, the Vikings' defense looked surprisingly docile Sunday in Philadelphia.

Alec Brzezinski