Eagles can't waste chances they get

The Eagles-Vikings game tomorrow has the potential to be a high-scoring shoot-out. The Vikings' offense had one of its least productive games of the season in that 27-16 loss in Week 2, but is sixth in the NFL, averaging 25.3 points per game.

The Vikings also control the ball for an average of 30 minutes, 17 seconds a game.

"Because of how they play offense, you get very few series," said offensive coordinator Brad Childress. "Last time, we had nine, of which one was right before the half and one was a kneel down at the end of the game. So, we got seven. We did what we had to do when we had the football. "

The last time the Vikings were here, the Eagles held them to three field goals and forced them to turn the ball over at the goal line. The Vikings put up 410 yards and controlled the clock for 37 minutes, 53 seconds, putting pressure on the Eagles' offense to produce quickly.

"If the average [number of] series in an NFL game is 12, they are giving you nine," Childress said. "So, you need to make sure you are doing your part of staying on the field and doing what you need to do.

Last week, in their 31-17 playoff win against the Packers, the Vikings nearly split the time of possession with Green Bay. But Minnesota scored on its first three possessions.

Coach Andy Reid said yesterday that the Eagles will need to put drives together, as they did in the first game, and control the ball.

"I'm sure they will strive to do that, and we will strive to do the same thing," he said. "We have done both fairly well. We have at times scored quickly, and at times we have put together some long drives. I don't think that will change. "

Family reunion. Keith Adams' first playoff start at linebacker will take on extra meaning tomorrow.

His father, Julius Adams, will be watching from the stands. Julius Adams was a Pro Bowl defensive end who played for the New England Patriots from 1971 to 1987.

Julius Adams coaches at Fort Valley State in Georgia, which finished 7-4. When he was 6, Keith Adams watched his father play in the Super Bowl against the Chicago Bears. His father was a major source of inspiration for the Eagles linebacker.

"It's an upside in my career," Adams said.

Adams is playing in place of Mark Simoneau, who is doubtful with an ankle injury.

Receiver Terrell Owens, out with his ankle injury, was the only other player who missed practice yesterday.

Quote of the day. Asked whether players take on the personality of their head coach, Reid said, "My guys aren't as boring as I am."

Besides their profession, Reid and Vikings coach Mike Tice seem like opposites. Tice wore an Afro wig to practice the other day. It took Terrell Owens to get Reid to make a bet that he would possibly don tights.

Both ways work, Reid said.

"Mike does a nice job," he said. "He does it his way, and his players respond to it. I don't know what way I do it exactly, but they respond to it and play well."