In the first Tuesday Night Football game in 64 years, it was expected that the NFC East champions would easily dispatch a floundering Minnesota Vikings team on its third QB.
Thankfully for Vikings fans, the NFL isn't played on paper, because the 14.5-point favorites couldn't find a way to win the game. Rookie QB/WR Joe Webb played the role of game manager perfectly and made some big-time throws when he had too. Meanwhile, Michael Vick had his worst game since his days in Atlanta.
Vikings: Three performances of note
Left tackle Bryant McKinnie (+3.3) had one of his best games despite one of his toughest matchups against DRE Trent Cole. McKinnie was perfect in pass protection (+2.0) on 34 dropbacks. Tuesday was the first time since Week 1 that McKinnie managed to avoid surrendering any pressure. Going against the league's best run-stopping 4-3 DE didn't seem to bother McKinnie either, as he won his battle at the point of attack the majority of the time (+0.9).
Kevin Williams (+2.9) was probably licking his lips at a matchup with the Eagles' weak interior. His work against the run (-0.1) was only average but he was unblockable at times when rushing the passer. Williams had a hit and five pressures in 51 rushes (+2.3 rushing the passer). Lezlie Frazier, a disciple of Jim Johnson, runs a lot of exotic blitzes, and Williams did a good job (+0.5) when asked to drop into coverage.
E.J. Henderson (+3.0) has made a remarkable recovery from a gruesome broken leg. Known for his ability against the run, the MLB was only just above average in that department (+0.5), making three tackles (two stops, one missed) and an assist. Henderson also had a positive rating in coverage (+0.7), although he wasn't targeted. He did his best work when rushing the passer (+1.7) and gained five pressure on just 17 rushes.
Eagles: three performances of note
Vick (-3.3) brought back memories of his worst days in Atlanta (on the field, that is). The Eagles' QB was lucky not to have four interceptions, with Viking DBs dropping three catchable balls. Vick's deep ball, so good throughout much of the year, was wildly inaccurate. He was just 1 of 5 for 28 yards and a pick on passes farther than 20 yards, failing to hook up with DeSean Jackson on a number of occasions. Under siege all game (he felt pressure on 26 of 56 dropbacks), Vick was just 8 of 15 for 96 yards and six sacks when he felt the heat.
It seems like defensive coordinator Sean McDermott is starting to realize what we've suggested all year: Backup WLB Akeem Jordan (+0.5) is a better player than starter Ernie Sims (-3.8). Jordan was afforded 17 snaps in the nickel and repaid his coaches with a pressure on four rushes, three tackles (one stop) and an assist. Sims has flashed some ability against the run this season but crashed back down to earth against the Vikings. Sims looks lost in coverage, completely failing to recognize play action when allowing Visanthe Shiancoe to come wide open for a 23-yard gain.
After playing solidly for a couple of games, RCB Dimitri Patterson (-3.1) was benched against the Vikings. Usually one not to miss tackles, Patterson missed two on short routes, allowing Percy Harvin to pick up significant yards after the catch. In coverage, Patterson gave up five completions on seven targets for 83 yards with one pass deflection. Nickel back Joselio Hanson (+1.0) replaced him in the base defense and was above average in every facet.
Rookie report
Webb (+3.5) contributed with both his arm and his legs. … Left guard Chris Degeare (+1.9) had his first positive game of his career, showing particular ability in the run game. … Toby Gerhart (+0.5) threw a nice block on a QB draw, his only play of note in seven snaps. … Everson Griffen (-0.9) failed to register any pressure on five rushes.
Tight end Clay Harbor (+0.8) made an impressive touchdown catch for the Eagles, the first of his career. … Riley Cooper (-0.4) played 16 snaps but did not have a ball come his way. … Middle linebacker Jamar Chaney (-4.7) struggled with the mental aspects of the game, missing some reads in coverage. … Kurt Coleman (+1.1) had another impressive start in the place of injured FS Nate Allen. … Defensive tackle Jeff Owens (+0.3, one pressure) was the third Eagles rookie to end up on IR, after playing just three snaps. … Trevard Lindley (+0.1) played seven snaps in the nickel after Patterson was benched.
Random note
Only two Eagles starters (Cole and Juqua Parker) registered pressure rushing the QB. In contrast, eight of the Vikings' 11′ starters registered at least a pressure.
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