As a tease for the full-schedule announcement on Thursday, the NFL revealed on Monday morning that the Eagles will be part of a Week 2 prime-time doubleheader on Monday, September 19, when the Minnesota Vikings visit Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia's home opener. Kickoff is at 8:30 PM on ABC as part of an ABC/ESPN side-by-side doubleheader that also includes Tennessee at Buffalo at 7:15 PM.
This is exciting stuff.
The Vikings added help to their defense in the 2022 NFL Draft, selecting safety Lewis Cine and cornerback Andrew Booth, Jr. as their first two picks and then adding linebacker Brian Asamoah in Round 3. In free agency, Minnesota added linebackers Jordan Hicks – who played with the Eagles from 2015 through 2018 – and Za'Darius Smith, along with defensive tackle Harrison Phillips.
In 2021, Minnesota ranked 30th in the NFL in yards allowed (383.6 per game) and 24th in points allowed per game (25.1). Additionally, the Vikings ranked between 25 and 29th in the following key defensive categories:
• Yards allowed per play: 5.66
• Rushing yards allowed per game: 130.7
• Rushing yards allowed per play: 4.68
• Passing yards allowed per game: 252.9
• Passing yards allowed per play: 6.87
Offensively, the Vikings have one of the more explosive groups in the NFL, piloted by quarterback Kirk Cousins (33 touchdowns, 7 interceptions last season) and wide receivers Justin Jefferson (108 receptions, 1,616 yards, 10 touchdowns) and Adam Thielen (67-726-10). Last season, Minnesota ranked 11th in points per game (25.0) and 12th overall in both yards per game (362.8) and yards per play (5.7).
Minnesota went 8-9 last season, including a 3-6 record on the road. This will be their first year under new Head Coach Kevin O'Connell, who served as the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams the past two seasons.
The Eagles are 14-15 all time against the Vikings, compiling a 4-2 record at Lincoln Financial Field. Philadelphia is 23-20 on ABC and 75-59 in prime-time games.
The entire 2022 regular-season schedule will be announced on Thursday at 8 PM.
