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Lowly Vikings Take On Explosive Eagles

By Eric Nelson, WCCO-TV

EDEN PRAIRIE (WCCO) -- One gift the Minnesota Vikings won't be getting this holiday season is a spot in the NFL playoffs. The deflated Metrodome roof is symbolic of the Viking's deflated Super Bowl hopes. This year, has been purple pain, and thankfully just two games are left.

After playing three straight home games in three different venues, the nomadic Minnesota Vikings travel to Philadelphia for a Sunday night game against the soaring Eagles.

"We are trying to definitely end this thing on a positive note," said cornerback Lito Sheppard. "Not go out there and get embarrassed."

Embarrassed certainly describes the purple's performance against Chicago on Monday night in the snowy Minnesota elements. If the Vikings don't elevate their game in Philly, it could be another long night.

One of the biggest challenges for the Vikings will be MVP-candidate quarterback Michael Vick. Two years after spending time in prison, Vick has helped the Eagles' offense go from just good, to explosive.

"He's definitely a double threat," said Ray Edwards. "If there is nothing down field and he has a lane, he can definitely make guys miss in open field and get big yards for them."

Vick has thrown 20 touchdown passes and has also run for 613 yards and eight touchdowns. With his quick feet and rocket arm, Vick is a nightmare for opposing defenses.

"I think that's an understatement," said Sheppard. "Nobody seemed to have slowed him down. To this point, I think they're averaging, you know, high 20s, maybe 30 points a game. And it all starts with him ... making the plays work."

"Vick is an incredible athlete," said rookie and former third-string quarterback Joe Webb. "I look up to him. I've been watching him since I've been a little boy."

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