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NFL
Vikings at Eagles
By ROGER MILLS
Published January 16, 2005
WHEN/WHERE: 1 today; Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia.
TV/RADIO: Ch.13; 1010-AM.
LINE: Eagles by 8.
WHEN THE VIKINGS HAVE THE BALL: This is the Daunte Culpepper-to-Randy Moss show. Traditionally, the Vikings like to use receivers Nate Burleson and Marcus Robinson over the middle and go deep (and often) to Moss and Kelly Campbell. They are a big-play team and each play starts with Culpepper.
WHEN THE EAGLES HAVE THE BALL: A little more balanced, the Eagles will try to establish the running game with Brian Westbrook early. Without Terrell Owens, the passing attack doesn't have the home run play, but the Eagles have enough talent to keep the ball moving. Donovan McNabb may not put the ball up as much as Culpepper, but he's a comparable threat to make a play with his legs.
DON'T BE SURPRISED IF...: The Eagles receivers show up. Todd Pinkston and Freddie Mitchell have been part of an offense that made it to three straight NFC Championships.
HEAD GAMES: The Vikings finally won a critical game on grass. Now they'll have to make it two in a row and in an extremely hostile environment. Moss is expected to play and he can trust that Eagles fans will make his life miserable. They are among the most inventive, and frightening, in the league.
IMPACT PLAYER: Middle linebacker Jeremiah Trotter. The Eagles' only meaningful loss this season was to the Steelers, when running back Jerome Bettis barreled his way to 149 yards on 33 carries. The Vikings likely saw that tape and will want to get Smith going early. That puts significant responsibility on the shoulders of Trotter. If he contains Smith, Eagles should win.
THE EDGE: Having not played a meaningful game in about a month, the Eagles will struggle to find their rhythm early. The Vikings suddenly believe they can win again and could go on one of those winning streaks. The Eagles won't be disappointed about losing in their fourth straight championship game, because they won't get there.
[Last modified January 16, 2005, 00:33:22]
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