Eagles @ Vikings - Wild Card Sunday

On defense, three things stand out to me:

1. Avoid the big play -Adrian Peterson is probably the most dangerous back in the NFL from a pure rushing perspective. He can take any carry to the house. Bernard Berrian is their big-play guy in the passing game, he averages 20.1 yards/catch. He also has 5 tds of 40+ yards. Those are the two home run hitters on the Minny offense. Don't let them break one and swing momentum.
2. Account for the QB - What Tarvaris Jackson lacks as a passing QB (and the list is long), he can make up for with his legs. He didn't run much, but in 2 games this season (both close losses) he rushed for 60+ yards. He's athletic enough to use his legs to get a big third-down conversion. Stay disciplined in your rush lanes.
3. Recognize patterns, but don't bank on them - Almost as a rule, Adrian Peterson runs the ball and Chester Taylor catches passes out of the backfield. Peterson had only 21 receptions this season. Taylor only 101 carries. It surprises me that Peterson hasn't been used more in the passing game, especially on screens where he could get into the open field. It wouldn't shock me if Brad Childress tries to get AP the ball in space at least once or twice today. When Taylor's in the game, especially on third downs, you need to account for him. Keep an eye on Taylor and Visanthe Shiancoe when the Vikings need a conversion.

I'm not going to talk about the run/pass ratio. I do believe the Eagles need to be able to run the ball, but when you look at this match-up, the biggest advantage the Eagles have is in the passing game. Donovan McNabb has been throwing the ball better than I've ever seen over the past several weeks. The Eagles receivers have an advantage. I think they should come out looking for the home run, probably to DeSean. Take the Vikings' crowd out of the game early, get a lead and then sit on it.

If/when you have the lead, then you need to be able to run the ball, but I think that lead will be built through the air. Pass to set up the run.

We're closing in on the kick off now, so I'm going to shut the computer down for the afternoon and enjoy the game. If you're dying for something more to read, check out this story from the New York Times about Brian Dawkins. Good to see him getting some national press, let's hope Adrian Peterson gets an up close and personal look at Weapon X several times today, preferably in the backfield.