Vikings vs. Eagles matchup to watch: Smith must lead schemes to slow Foles

The Eagles offense has leaned on the increasingly popular "run-pass option" plays, which is a college staple making its way into NFL circles. Eagles quarterback Nick Foles was "really successful" with those plays against the Falcons in Philly's NFC divisional win, linebacker Anthony Barr said, and the Eagles likely will continue to try them against the Vikings. They're often successful because the quarterback has the option to hand off or throw, depending on how a designated defender reacts to the initial handoff move. Defenses can gain an edge by disguising coverages and assignments before the snap. That's where All-Pro safety Harrison Smith comes in as one of the league's best at not showing his hand. If Smith, and other Vikings defenders, can fool Foles, then his split-second decision will either take longer or be wrong. "I guess the [run-pass] idea is you get pretty much what you want. We just have to play our keys," Smith said.

ANDREW KRAMMER