Eagles Edge Vikings 28-22 as Wentz’s Struggles Spark QB Debate
During Week 7 of the 2025 NFL seasonU.S. Bank Stadium, the Philadelphia Eagles edged the Minnesota Vikings 28‑22, snapping a two‑game skid. Jalen Hurts threw for 326 yards and a perfect 158.3 passer rating, while Carson Wentz completed 26 of 42 attempts for 313 yards but tossed two interceptions, including a pick‑six that gave the Eagles victory. The game turned on big plays from A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith and a game‑changing hit by Jalen Carter.
Game Overview
From the opening kickoff, the two teams traded field goals and short drives. The Vikings managed five field‑goal attempts, four of which St. Louis kicker Will Reichard converted inside the Eagles' 20‑yard line. The Eagles, meanwhile, capitalized on a few early first‑downs to take a 10‑7 lead by the end of the second quarter.
Both defenses showed up. The Eagles’ secondary kept veteran receiver Justin Jefferson from breaking big, while the Vikings’ linebackers forced three hurried throws from Hurts before the halftime whistle.
Key Plays and Turning Points
The first real momentum shift came early in the second quarter when Jalyx Hunt read a slant from Wentz, jumped the route and returned the interception 42 yards for a touchdown. That pick‑six pushed the Eagles ahead 17‑7 and forced Minnesota to play catch‑up.
Later, A.J. Brown delivered a 45‑yard strike with just 1:45 left on the clock, slipping past former teammate Isaiah Rodgers and sealing the win. Earlier in the third, Smith spun away from the safety and hauled in a 79‑yard touchdown that marked his career‑high 183 receiving yards.
On the defensive side, Carter’s bull rush on Wentz set up Hunt’s earlier pick. In the final minutes, a botched snap from center Blake Brandel on third‑and‑10 stalled the Vikings at the Eagles’ 19‑yard line, costing them a potential go‑ahead field goal.
Quarterback Showdown
- Eagles – Jalen Hurts: 20/30, 326 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INT, passer rating 158.3
- Vikings – Carson Wentz: 26/42, 313 yards, 0 TDs, 2 INTs, passer rating 71.4
Hurts’ accuracy on deep routes was the story; he hit his receivers at a 66% completion rate inside the red zone. Wentz, by contrast, was under constant pressure, sacked four times and forced into hurried throws that led directly to the turnovers.
Coaching Decisions and Reactions
Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell faced a tough call with 1:45 left. He elected to go for a deep pass on third‑and‑9 rather than a short route that could have set up a field‑goal attempt. The play fell incomplete, and the Vikings never got the ball back.
Following the game, O'Connell said, “We had a chance, but we couldn’t execute the play we called. We’ll review the clock management and protect the ball better moving forward.”
Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni praised his unit: “Our guys did the hard work, especially on defense. I love the way Jalyx read that snap and turned it into points.”
Implications for the Rest of the Season
The win bumps Philadelphia to 4‑3, keeping them in the NFC East race and restoring confidence after a two‑game lull. For Minnesota, the loss drops them to 3‑4 and reignites the quarterback controversy that has simmered since the offseason.
The Viking Age’s analysis that “the QB1 job is still J.J. McCarthy’s” gained fresh traction after Wentz’s three‑and‑out fourth quarter. If the coaching staff decides to give McCarthy a look next week, the Vikings could see a shift in offensive identity.
Both clubs have a Sunday game next week: the Eagles host an unnamed NFC opponent, while the Vikings travel to face the Los Angeles Chargers, a matchup that could either solidify or further jeopardize their playoff hopes.
Historical Context
The Eagles‑Vikings rivalry dates back to the 1970s, with Philadelphia holding a 28‑19 edge in the last 20 meetings. Week 7 games have historically been pivotal; in 2019, the Eagles won a close 31‑28 that propelled them to the playoffs.
Statistically, the Eagles have outgained the Vikings by an average of 35 yards per game over the past three seasons. This game continued that trend, with Philadelphia racking up 424 total yards to Minnesota’s 371.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this loss affect the Vikings' playoff chances?
Dropping to 3‑4 places Minnesota behind the NFC’s top four seeds, meaning they must win at least three of their next four games to stay in contention. A loss also intensifies the need for a stable quarterback, as a 4‑4 finish would almost certainly eliminate them from the wild‑card race.
What does Carson Wentz’s performance mean for his future with Minnesota?
Wentz’s two turnovers, especially the pick‑six, revive speculation that the Vikings might look to rookie J.J. McCarthy as the starter. While the front office has not announced a change, the coaching staff is likely to evaluate Wentz’s decision‑making under pressure before Week 8.
Which players stood out for the Eagles in this game?
Besides Hurts’s flawless efficiency, A.J. Brown’s two touchdowns—including the game‑sealing 45‑yard catch—shone. DeVonta Smith’s 183 receiving yards set a season high, and Jalyx Hunt’s interception return proved the decisive defensive play.
How did the coaching decisions in the final minutes influence the result?
Kevin O'Connell’s choice to attempt a deep pass on third‑and‑9 with just under two minutes left left the Vikings with no time to recover after an incompletion. In contrast, Nick Sirianni’s aggressive defensive game plan forced turnovers that directly translated into points.
When do the teams play next and what’s at stake?
The Eagles host an NFC opponent on Sunday, October 26, 2025, hoping to extend their winning streak and solidify a playoff berth. The Vikings travel to face the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 8, a game that could either rescue their season or cement their drift toward the bottom of the NFC West.