Eagles And Vikings Turn Ball Over Five Times In First Quarter

Ryan Mayer

The match-up between the Minnesota Vikings and Philadelphia Eagles had plenty of built in storylines ready to go. The biggest one was obviously the return of QB Sam Bradford to Philadelphia after being traded from the Eagles to the Vikings just prior to the start of the season.

Bradford, since the trade, has performed well for the Vikings, leading the team to a 5-0 start and not turning the ball over at all. His replacement in Philly, Carson Wentz, has also performed well, and, similarly to Bradford, hasn't turned the ball over very often.

That all changed in the first quarter on Sunday as the two quarterbacks would combined for five turnovers. It started on the Eagles second drive when Wentz was picked off after overthrowing his intended target.

Not to be outdone, Bradford immediately returned the favor, throwing his first interception of the season in the back of the end zone.

But, on the Eagles very next drive, Wentz and running back Darren Sproles had a miscommunication that resulted in a fumble recovered by the Vikings who were once again seemingly in business in the red zone. On the next play, Bradford was sacked by Connor Barwin, coughing the ball up in the process.

The turnover parade wasn't over yet. After a couple of quick plays that resulted in a 3rd and 11 from their own 38. Wentz, trying to make a play, threw deep over the middle, and was picked off again, this time by Xavier Rhodes.

The teams turned the ball over on four consecutive drives in the first quarter. In that timespan, a total of one first down was gained. Not exactly the start that either of these teams were hoping for.

• National Football League
• Minnesota Vikings
• Philadelphia Eagles