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

In a much‑needed bounce‑back for the Philadelphia Eagles, the Week 7 victory over the Minnesota Vikings laid bare both the strengths and vulnerabilities of the team. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of snap counts, standout players, and positional notes from a 28‑22 win that moved the Eagles to 5‑2.

Snap Count Overview

The Eagles played 50 offensive snaps and 69 defensive snaps in the outing.

• On offense, Jalen Hurts accounted for all 50 snaps at quarterback.
• Running back usage was heavy on Saquon Barkley (39 snaps), with limited involvement from Will Shipley (8) and Tank Bigsby (4) plus one snap for Cooper DeJean.
• At wide receiver: A.J. Brown (46 snaps) and DeVonta Smith (44 snaps) saw the bulk of the work, with Jahan Dotson at 24.
• On the offensive line, stalwarts like Jordan Mailata, Landon Dickerson, Tyler Steen and Lane Johnson were each on for 50 snaps, while Cam Jurgens played just 15, exiting with a knee issue.
• Defensively, edge defender Jalyx Hunt logged 52 snaps, with Josh Uche at 33 and Patrick Johnson at 26.

Three Stars & Game Ball

Three Stars:

• ⭐⭐⭐: Jalen Hurts — A near‑flawless performance: 19 of 23 for 326 yards and three touchdowns.
• 🌟🌟: DeVonta Smith — 9 catches, 183 yards, 1 TD; career‑high and major deep‑threat impact.
• ✨: Jalyx Hunt — Breakout game defensively: pick‑six, pressure, strong edge work.

Game Ball: Jalen Hurts — After weeks of inconsistent deep passing, this day he executed with precision and led his team when it mattered most.

Key Insights & Notes

• Hurts’ deep‑ball success returned, notably a 79‑yard TD to Smith and another explosive connection to Brown.
• The running game remained a concern: Barkley posted 18 carries for just 44 yards (2.4 YPC) in Week 7.
• Injuries within the OL loom: Cam Jurgens’ limited snap count after left‑knee trouble raises red flags as the Eagles move forward.
• Defensively, interior lineman Jalen Carter played 67 snaps and helped collapse the pocket, while cornerback depth was tested with injuries to Adoree’ Jackson and the stepping‑in of Kelee Ringo.

Why This Matters

For the Eagles, the win not only halted a two‑game skid but restored confidence in a passing‑attack identity that had stalled. The deep‑threat dynamic returned, and their edge rush made a difference — both signs of potential upward trajectory. Meanwhile, the Vikings’ offensive miscues — multiple red‑zone field goals, a pick‑six and continuity issues — underscored their ongoing struggle to break through.

Looking Ahead

Philadelphia faces a crucial Week 8 matchup at home against the New York Giants, seeking to build momentum and tighten their grip on the NFC East. For Minnesota, the rub lies in converting opportunities and shoring up red‑zone execution. The snap‑count trends point toward deeper questions of depth, durability and consistency.