NFL, Hurts drag Philadelphia. Cowboys touchdown “rodeo” in Minnesota

Affected physically (read injury to tight end Goedert) and mentally (first unexpected knockout with a rival in the division and moreover at home), the Eagles were called to an authoritative test. A second consecutive fall would have reduced its path and opened the door to crisis. That’s why the success, the ninth out of ten hard-fought matches in Indiana, has great significance for Philadelphia.

Credit goes, above all, to his young qb, Jalen Hurts, fundamental in the crucial stages of the game with the Colts revitalized by the change of coach. Without Goedert the team suffered a lot up front and a bloody drop by its best receiver, Brown, could have sealed its defeat. But the quarterback with quick legs, a strong personality and a much improved arm in the three seasons played so far, managed to overturn it with just over a minute to go with a personal touchdown sprint.

In the following drive Matt Ryan was unable to bring his team forward, thanks to a good sack by the excellent Graham. And now Phila looks ahead with renewed optimism, thanks to the double arrival of two big players who don’t give discounts in defence: Suh and Joseph, long careers spent paving the way for opposing attackers.

In their division, highly competitive this year, the success of the Cowboys against the Vikings stands out, who until now had lost only once (coincidentally, with Phila). Dallas was irrepressible. In defence. And in attack. A truly overwhelming demonstration of superiority. Up front, Pollard is irrepressible. Elliott runs far and wide. Prescott pitches without resistance. Behind, you just can’t pass and Cousins, qb from Minnesota, is more on the ground (7 sacks) than standing. It’s the Vikings’ worst home loss in 59 years… Pretty disconcerting for a team that seemed to fly.

Cordarelle Patterson spoke to me first, at length and particularly well, coach Brock Olivo, former Lions player, former Blue Team coach and sideline with the Chiefs, the Broncos and the Bears. Of course, he was right: he is monstrous. An explosive force. Yesterday he was decisive with his bullying touchdown return to overcome the Bears in an uncertain race until the end. One hundred and three yards devoured in a flash for the 9th return in td. An NFL record.