Still Alive: Eagles Beat Vikings to Set Up a Date with the Giants

The Philadelphia Eagles have surpassed their first obstacle on the road to Tampa today with a very hard fought 26-14 victory over the Minnesota Vikings in the Metrodome on Sunday.

The Eagles win on Sunday wasn't exactly pretty, but in the end, they did what they had to do to walk out of the Metrodome with a win. Philly's winning effort was led by their dominant defense and a strong showing from the captain, Donovan McNabb.

There's plenty of credit to go around following a win like this, but my game ball (if there was one) would have to go to the Eagles defense.

Aside from a 40-yard touchdown gallop, Adrian Peterson was held to just 38 yards on 19 carries. The front seven did their job stopping the run and really made the Vikings one dimensional in the second half.

Aside from the two hiccups in the first half, the Eagles defense really dominated this game and gave the offense the opportunity to put the game on ice.

Asante Samuel really got the Eagles going defensively when he jumped a pass intended for Sydney Rice and galloped 44 yards for the Eagles first touchdown. What made that ply even better was a crushing block by Chris Clemons. Clemons picked up a helpless Tavaris Jackson and slammed him to the turf; it was quite beautiful.

Speaking of the offense, watching Brian Westbrook throughout the game, it was baffling that Correll Buckhalter did not get the majority of the carries. Westbrook ran like he was seriously hurting and didn't look the same.

But all in all this game was won by the Eagles because they played harder longer. Their defense continues to play great, and Donovan McNabb, aside from a couple poor decisions played a very good game.

McNabb's two mistakes thankfully didn't come back to hurt the Eagles. Towards the end of the half, Donovan threw up a prayer to Kevin Curtis who was well covered, and Cedric Griffin intercepted it. Minnesota ended up going three-and-out.

McNabb was also stripped of the ball by Jared Allen. Allen just abused Tra Thomas and beat him off the edge to McNabb. Aside from those two hiccups, No. 5 stood tall in the pocket and put his throws on the money.

The Eagles offense never really got going, but David Akers kept the team alive with three field goals of 44,51,and 33 yards.

Brian Westbrook scored the Eagles first offensive touchdown on a play the Eagles used to run routinely, the screen pass. Westbrook caught the screen and led by a convoy of Eagles blockers, scampered 71-yards to the house.

The effort of DeSean Jackson on Sunday is one that shouldn't go unnoticed. Earlier in the week, DeSean said he could have more impact on this game on special teams. The rookie did so.

Jackson jump-started the eagles with an electrifying 62-yard punt return that set up the first of Akers three field goals. Jackson set up Akers third field goal with a tremendous 34-yard reception, which would be DeSean's only catch of the day.

Minnesota had to be feeling great about themselves going into half time. They had really shut down the Eagles offense and kept them out of the end zone. They had kept Brian Westbrook in check and had really moved the football well. That's where their highlight stops.

The second half was completely dominated by the Eagles. The Vikings were unable to sustain a drive let alone get the ground game moving. While the defense didn't allow a touchdown until the fourth quarter, the Eagles offense was able to move the ball when given terrible field position.

Tavaris Jackson followed up a decent first half with a horrible second half. Jackson was unable to find a groove in the second half thanks to a strong Eagles pass rush. Jackson didn't really shine in his first playoff experience.

Adrian Peterson really struggled this afternoon aside from his touchdown run. Peterson was really held in check by an Eagles defense that continued its dominance.

The Viking defense kept them alive all game long but fell victim to the wizardry of Westbrook in the fourth quarter. They pressured McNabb and shut down the run, but they were unable to overcome the struggles of the offense.

The win sends the Eagles to the Meadowlands to battle their division foes and the defending Super Bowl champion New York Giants. The Giants will be well rested and hungry to avenge their late season home loss to the Eagles.

For the Vikings, it's a sad ending to a season that started with so much hope. But they have a lot to look forward to in the near future; they are loaded with young talent and should be a threat for years to come.