Michael Vick is again the center of the Eagles’ chances of success.

When the Eagles line up to play football Sunday night, they will be facing more than just the Minnesota Vikings; they will be facing their own mental toughness and the new level of expectations that have emerged since their incredible comeback victory over the New York Giants.

The Eagles scored 28 points in the final eight minutes of the fourth quarter on Sunday, erasing a 31-10 deficit, and turning it into a 38-31 win and a great chance to win the NFC East.

Quarterback Michael Vick and receiver/kick returner DeSean Jackson were the marquee players in a game that has captured the attention of fans around the country and even the world.

Can the Birds leave that epic win in their rear view mirror and focus on the Vikings who are not sure who will be their starting quarterback.

“Will it be difficult? No, it won’t,” Vick said at his locker Wednesday. “I think it’s a game we learn from, we build from and put behind us and move forward. The most important game is the next game.”

Offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg knew he would be asked to address the play of his offense last week, so he got it out of the manner in which he surly wants his players to follow.

“Wrap up that last game real quick,” Mornhinweg said as he opened his usual Thursday press conference. “Sort of a tribute to the players hanging in, hanging in, hanging in. Sometimes good things happen there. Such an emotional game–whether you win or lose–an emotional game. Very important to get back and refocus. So that’s what the players are doing right now. The preparation, that’s important here. So we’ve got a big game now, get to this game against the Minnesota Vikings coming in. Like I said, the key will be preparation here. Putting the hard work in after that emotional win last week.

“This Minnesota Viking club is ranked high in many defensive statistics, and it starts with their front,” Mornhinweg continued, warming up to his own change in focus. “They’re very, very good up front. Their linebackers are very active, real smart, as well. And you can see that clearly on film, very smart, always well prepared. They’ve had some injury situations in the secondary, so we should be getting some more information here in the next day or two on that.”

If the Eagles win, they clinch their division and regardless of how the Atlanta Falcons or Chicago Bears do, and they would still be in a position to capture a first-round bye.

This is as much a mist-win as it was to beat the Giants.

Vick talked about the Vikings.
They are a group of veteran guys who play very hard and I think they’re much better than what their record shows,” said Vick, who earned his third Offensive Player of the Week honor for the third time in seven weeks.

“You really have to go out and execute against them and put plays together and score points. They’re a good, sound, veteran group.”

The Vikings remain solid on the defensive side of the ball and are ranked No. 2 in the NFC. Defensive end Jared Allen has 9.5 sacks this season and has played well against the Eagles in the past. Cornerback Asher Allen has an interception in his last two games.

Minnesota’s offense is another story.

Future Hall of Fame quarterback has had a miserable season (69.9 QB rating for the season) and will probably not play because of concussion sustained during last week’s 40-14 loss to the Bears. His backup, Joe Webb, a rookie, was 17 of 31 for 137 yards, no TD passes and tow interceptions. His quarterback rating for the game was 39.3. Webb did rush for a touchdown against Chicago, his career first.

Add to those problems, superstar running back Adrian Peterson (247 carries, 1,149 yards, 4.7 yards per carry, 11 TDs) may not play because of a sore leg. 

Defensive end Trent Cole said the defense must respect Webb, regardless of his experience and the lack of weapons Minnesota may be forced to deal with..

“We have to be careful, Joe Webb could come out and have the best game of his life,” said Cole, who had two sacks the last time the teams met. “We are going to go out and treat like any other NFL [quarterback] we play.” 
Vick also promised the Eagles would not take the Vikings lightly.

“You can’t coast along in any week during the season, “We know the magnitude of this game and what’s at stake and we have to go out and get it. Nothing is going to be given to you. Everything has to be earned and we have to come out and play our best football.”

Vick was asked if there was a sense of excitement that the team could potentially be division champions before the game even begins if the Bears lose.

“Given what we’ve been through and how far we’ve come, it’s going to be exciting anyway,” Vick said. “Any time I have an opportunity to strap up, go out there and play the game, it’s exciting. To have a lot at stake and to work as hard as we’ve worked throughout this season and to accomplish so much, it will definitely put a stamp on this season. We just have to continue to move forward. It’s just one stepping stone and plenty more hurdles to cross.”

Prediction: Eagles 38, Vikings 10