Game Ball, Three Stars, and Snap Count Analysis: Week 7, Eagles at Vikings

The Philadelphia Eagles traveled to Minnesota on Sunday for a Week 7 matchup against the Vikings, and the game turned into a showcase of offensive dominance and strategic execution. Finishing with a 28-22 win, the Eagles demonstrated why they are considered one of the most balanced and dangerous teams in the NFL this season. Here’s a breakdown of the game ball winners, three standout players, and key snap count insights that defined the contest.

Game Ball: Jalen Hurts

Quarterback Jalen Hurts earned the game ball for his exceptional performance under pressure. Hurts finished with a perfect 158.3 passer rating—the first of his career—throwing for 326 yards and three touchdowns. But what made the performance particularly impressive was his ability to read Minnesota’s blitzes and adjust on the fly.

Against a defense that often crowded the line of scrimmage and attempted to disrupt the Eagles’ rhythm, Hurts completed 10 of 12 passes for 220 yards and two touchdowns specifically against blitzes. His ability to maintain composure, make quick decisions, and exploit mismatches created a game-breaking advantage.

Hurts also demonstrated versatility by operating effectively from under center on 20 plays—tied for the second-most under-center snaps in his career. This opened up opportunities for play-action passes, which generated 129 yards on just four throws. By balancing shotgun and under-center looks, Hurts kept the Vikings’ defense off balance and maximized the potential of his weapons.

Three Stars of the Game

1. A.J. Brown
Brown was a dominant force throughout the game, finishing with 180 receiving yards and two touchdowns. His ability to separate from defenders and consistently win contested catches made him Hurts’ go-to target. Brown’s physicality and precise route-running allowed the Eagles to sustain drives and convert critical third downs, keeping the Vikings on their heels.

2. DeVonta Smith
Smith contributed 124 receiving yards and a touchdown, proving that defenses cannot double-cover Brown without consequences. Smith’s speed and agility created space, while his precise timing and chemistry with Hurts allowed him to exploit openings in the Vikings’ coverage. He consistently drew defenders away from Brown, further enhancing the Eagles’ offensive efficiency.

3. Saquon Barkley
While the passing game stole the spotlight, Barkley’s contribution on the ground and in pass protection cannot be overlooked. He finished with 78 rushing yards and two key receptions that extended drives. Barkley’s ability to pick up blitzes and provide a safety valve in the short passing game allowed Hurts to operate with confidence and minimized negative plays.

Snap Count Insights

Analyzing snap counts provides a deeper understanding of the Eagles’ strategy and personnel deployment. Jalen Hurts played every offensive snap, reflecting both his durability and the coaching staff’s trust in his decision-making. Brown and Smith combined for nearly every passing-down snap, highlighting their centrality to the Eagles’ passing attack.

Saquon Barkley played 95% of offensive snaps, underlining his role as both a running back and a blocker. His ability to stay on the field for nearly every play ensured that Hurts had consistent protection and multiple options for both designed runs and check-down passes.

The Vikings’ defense rotated heavily, especially at linebacker and cornerback positions, attempting to counter the Eagles’ versatile offense. Despite the rotations, Minnesota struggled to contain the vertical passing game, demonstrating the Eagles’ ability to execute explosive plays even against fresh defenders.

Strategic Takeaways

Philadelphia’s offensive success stemmed from a combination of scheme, execution, and personnel. By utilizing a mix of under-center and shotgun formations, the Eagles kept the Vikings guessing. The strategic use of play-action passes off Barkley’s carries exploited overaggressive defenders, while quick timing routes to Brown and Smith neutralized the pass rush.

Defensively, the Eagles focused on bending without breaking. While Minnesota managed 22 points, Philadelphia’s secondary tightened in the red zone and forced two key turnovers that shifted momentum. Linebackers maintained gap discipline, limiting big plays on the ground. This complementary approach ensured that the offense could operate without feeling pressure from defensive mistakes.

Implications for the Season

This game highlighted that the Eagles have one of the most dynamic and balanced offenses in the league. When Hurts is protected, and both Brown and Smith are healthy, the Eagles can challenge any defense. Moreover, the snap count analysis shows that this offense relies heavily on continuity and chemistry—rotations and substitutions must be carefully managed to maintain efficiency.

For fantasy football purposes, Hurts, Brown, Smith, and Barkley all remain top-tier assets, with performance ceilings significantly influenced by game planning and matchup context. Observers should note the increasing trend of under-center plays, which may further enhance the effectiveness of play-action-based passing strategies moving forward.

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