Eagles soar back to Philly: Ricardo's insights on the clash with the Vikings

Philadelphia, PA - The week is short for Eagles fans because the team is back in action. Eagles' Spanish radio announcer, Rickie Ricardo, provided his insights into what will be an exciting night in Philadelphia on Thursday, September 14th (8:15 pm).

The Eagles will play their first home game of the 2023 season, facing the Minnesota Vikings, a team that lost their first game to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Eagles won their first game against the New England Patriots.

However, according to Ricardo, Minnesota is different, and he stated, "They bring a different set of problems compared to the Patriots."

Nick Sirianni's team now faces the harsh reality of injuries. On defense, Ricardo reported, "James Bradberry is out due to a concussion issue." With this, the Vikings will present a different look than the Patriots. "The Patriots didn't have a dangerous receiver in themselves; the Vikings have Justin Jefferson," Ricardo commented.

Jefferson, according to Ricardo, is "if not the best, one of the two or three best receivers in the entire NFL." A star receiver will have to be covered by the best defender: Darius Slay. "Darius Slay will have to protect Jefferson one-on-one," Ricardo expressed.

For Jefferson to shine at Lincoln Financial Field, he'll need to receive the ball from his quarterback, Kurt Cousins. "Kurt Cousins is a good ball thrower," Ricardo affirmed. But Cousins faces a mountainous problem, as "Cousins has a poor record playing in prime-time games. He has never won a prime-time game, let alone against the Philadelphia Eagles," Ricardo pointed out.

This could benefit the Eagles' offense, which didn't perform well against the Patriots, according to Ricardo. The radio announcer expects a better performance from Jalen Hurts.

In the ground game, Ricardo reported, "Kenny Gainwell won't play this week due to a rib injury. Rashad Penny will suit up this week."

The running game is crucial, according to Ricardo, "Crucial for Philadelphia because Minnesota's defense isn't very good against the run."

Finally, what is the key to an Eagles' victory? "This week, it's up to the Eagles' offense to start the engines early, take the lead, and protect it at home," Ricardo stated.

Fans will be ecstatic in South Philadelphia, and Ricardo made his prediction. "I believe it's a walk on the beach for the Eagles. They'll win 31-17."

Ricardo has a 1-0 record for the season. To read in Spanish click here.