Eagles Snap Losing Streak with Explosive 28-22 Victory Over Vikings, Jalen Hurts Achieves Perfect Passer Rating

After a tumultuous two-week stretch that saw the Philadelphia Eagles’ dominant 4-0 start evaporate into a concerning 4-2 slump, the team has emphatically righted the ship. In a crucial road game on Sunday, October 19, the Eagles defeated the Minnesota Vikings 28-22, in a contest that served as a powerful reminder of their offensive potential.

The victory was not just a much-needed tally in the win column; it was a statement. Quarterback Jalen Hurts, who had faced mounting criticism alongside offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo for a "stagnant and predictable" offense, delivered one of the best statistical performances of his career. Hurts was flawless, completing 19 of his 23 pass attempts for 326 yards and three touchdowns. He finished the game with a perfect passer rating of 158.3, silencing doubts about his and the offense's capability.

This win snapped a two-game losing streak that included a Week 5 loss to the Denver Broncos and a particularly "humiliating" Week 6 defeat to the division-rival New York Giants. The pressure was on, and the Eagles' stars responded.

The Offensive Reawakening

The story of the game was the re-emergence of the Eagles' high-powered passing attack. After weeks of struggling to find a rhythm, Hurts connected with his top receivers for explosive, game-changing plays.

DeVonta Smith’s Career Day: The "Slim Reaper" was uncoverable, hauling in 9 receptions for a career-high 183 yards. His signature moment came on a 79-yard touchdown reception where he streaked up the seam. The play was a masterful call by Patullo, who used a play-action fake with six offensive linemen to draw the Vikings' defense in, allowing Smith to break free.

A.J. Brown’s Clutch Factor: While Smith dominated the stat sheet, A.J. Brown delivered the finishing blow. Brown caught 4 passes for 121 yards and two critical touchdowns. His second score effectively ended the game: facing a 3rd-and-9 with just 1:45 left on the clock and the Vikings holding two timeouts, Hurts launched a 45-yard "rainbow" down the sideline, which Brown secured to seal the victory.

Interestingly, the on-field relationship between Hurts and Brown continues to be a storyline. Even after his second touchdown, cameras reportedly caught Brown in a heated "rant" directed at Hurts, seemingly related to the timing of the throw. While the team is winning, the intense desire from Brown to be targeted and maximize every opportunity remains a visible and driving force for the offense.

Defensive Contributions: The defense, while bending, did not break and made its own game-changing play. Edge rusher Jalyx Hunt snagged an interception thrown by former Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz and returned it for a touchdown. The interception was forced by pressure from defensive tackle Jalen Carter, who hit Wentz as he threw.

The game was also a "revenge game" for Wentz, who started for the Vikings in place of the injured J.J. McCarthy. Wentz put up 313 passing yards but was plagued by two costly interceptions in Eagles' territory and failed to convert multiple red-zone opportunities.

Major Rumor: Brandon Graham ‘Pondering Unretiring’

In other major news, a seismic rumor is circulating in the Eagles' front office. Following the unexpected retirement of veteran edge rusher Za'Darius Smith, beloved Eagles legend and franchise icon Brandon Graham is reportedly "pondering unretiring" and returning to the team.

This news, first reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter, has electrified the fanbase. Graham, who helped the Eagles win their first Super Bowl, is seen as the "emotional core" of the defense. His potential return would be about more than just on-field production; it would be a massive leadership boost for a locker room seeking stability.

The timing is critical. The Eagles' defensive line depth has suddenly become a significant concern. Nolan Smith Jr. is on Injured Reserve with a biceps injury, and Ogbo Okoronkwo is also dealing with an injury, leaving the pass rush thin. Graham, despite his age and recovery from a torn triceps last season, proved his continued effectiveness in 2022 with a career-high 11 sacks. If he does return, it could be the stabilizing force the defense needs for another deep playoff run.

The Injury Report: A Win Comes at a Cost

The victory in Minnesota was costly. The Eagles' training staff will be working overtime this week as several key starters left the game with injuries:

• C Cam Jurgens (Knee): The starting center's injury is a significant blow to the interior of the offensive line.
• CB Adoree' Jackson (Concussion): A starting cornerback, Jackson's absence will test the depth of the secondary.
• LB Azeez Ojulari (Hamstring): A rotational pass rusher, his injury further depletes the edge-rushing group.
• LB Jeremiah Trotter (Ankle): The rookie linebacker's injury impacts defensive depth.

This is on top of several pre-existing concerns. The good news is that starting left guard Landon Dickerson (ankle), star defensive tackle Jalen Carter (heel), and rookie cornerback Quinyon Mitchell (hamstring) were all able to practice last week after missing the Giants game, suggesting they are close to a full return.

The team is also still awaiting the 2025 season debut of linebacker Nakobe Dean. Dean, who suffered a patellar tendon injury in last year's playoffs, remains on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. His 21-day practice window has been opened, but he has not yet been activated to the 53-man roster. His return is highly anticipated to bolster the linebacker corps.

The State of the Eagles & Looking Ahead: A Giants Revenge Game

At 5-2, the Philadelphia Eagles are in first place in the NFC East. The panic from their two-game losing streak has subsided, replaced by the relief that their offense is, in fact, still explosive. The Vikings win proved that Jalen Hurts can still take over a game and that his connection with Smith and Brown is as lethal as ever.

However, the team is far from perfect. The ground game, expected to be a pillar of the offense, has been "sluggish." Star running back Saquon Barkley, the 2024 AP Offensive Player of the Year, has yet to rush for more than 90 yards in a game and is averaging an uncharacteristically low 3.4 yards per attempt. The offense remains a work in progress, and the new injuries, particularly on the offensive line and in the secondary, are a major concern.

The Eagles will have no time to rest. Their next game is a crucial NFC East showdown that is now dripping with narrative.

• Next Up: vs. New York Giants
• When: Sunday, October 26, 2025
• Where: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia

This is an immediate revenge game. The Eagles will host the very same Giants team that handed them a "humiliating" 34-17 loss just two weeks ago in Week 6. With the confidence from the Vikings win, the Eagles will be looking to defend their home turf and prove that the Week 6 loss was an aberration, not a trend.