The Arizona Cardinals will visit the Philadelphia Eagles for this week’s Sunday Night match up, a game that has been flexed to the prime time stage. Both teams are rolling, Arizona has won their last 7 games and have already clinched a playoff spot. The Eagles have revitalized their playoff hopes by beating the Patriots and the Bills in their last 2 games.
Some folks (myself included) actually thought Chip Kelly was on the hot seat during the month of November. But as they say, winning fixes everything. The victory vs New England came with lots of fortune going the Eagles’ way. Philadelphia capitalized on several opportunities through out the game and handed the Patriots a very rare loss at home.
In the game vs the Bills… well let’s just say the Bills had more passing yards, they had more rushing yards, I’d even say the Bills played better defense. Yet once again the Eagles won the turnover battle, and somehow won the game.
In Arizona though, it’s business as usual for the NFL’s number 1 offense. The Cardinals continue to perform at a very high level, but after each game you will find the players in the locker room stating that the team can still play better.
Bruce Arians and his motto of “Coach them hard and hug them later” has transformed what was once just a talented roster into a quality contender. Arizona is dealing with some nagging injuries right now, but the good news is Carson Palmer is still standing.
-The Nitty Gritty
The Eagles are now at 6-7 and are in control of their own destiny. They are currently in a 3-way tie with the Redskins and the Giants in the powerhouse division known as the NFC East.
Sam Bradford has thrown for 3 TDs and just one interception in the Philadelphia’s last two outings. The Eagles run game has picked up as well going for 244 yards over the last couple games, but it’s been a running back by committee type of effort.
At home the Philadelphia Eagles are 3-3 in 2015. Philadelphia’s strengths are their offensive run game (ranking 14th), and their special teams.
The Eagles are ranked 16th in overall offense. Philly does have 31 sacks (6 more than Arizona), and they are 5th in interceptions with 15 picks, so they do have their moments. The Eagle’s pass defense may be ranked 27th overall, but as the past couple teams have learned, we can throw that stat sheet out the window. The Philadelphia Eagles are simply finding ways to win.
-Give me the Keys Playa
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The biggest key this week has to be turnovers. Arizona has been fortunate in winning games this year while losing the turnover battle. Philadelphia will probably be very aggressive on defense with their playoff lives at stake. The Cardinals have the superior offense (and the superior defense), but they will have to protect the ball on Sunday if they want the score to show it.
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Slow starts on the road can be deadly. Letting teams hang around can be deadly. Settling for field goals while in the redzone… just deadly. The Arizona Cardinals will have to play solid football for all 4 quarters in front of the hostile Philadelphia crowd. A quick start could be very beneficial and might even get those Philadelphia fans booing early… win the crowd… win your freedom.
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Protecting Carson Palmer. The Arizona QB is having his best year ever. The 2015 MVP candidate should be able to move the ball against this Eagle defense, especially if he has ample time to throw. “Air-izona” loves to toss the deep ball, but those types of routes take time to develop, even if you have a John (Smokey) Brown running them.
-Give me the Key Playas
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The Arizona defense has played lights out this year, most of the time. Sam Bradford needs to be pressured early and pressured often. Teddy Bridgewater had a career day last week against the Arizona defense, but it was the Arizona defense that finally cashed in on Bridgewater to seal the game.
The Cardinals will not have to worry about an Adrian Peterson this week, so getting to the QB should be the main task.
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The rookie running-back David Johnson… or as some of the Arizona fan base likes to call him, “Baevid Johnson.” This dual threat running back has been quite impressive in his first 2 starts. Johnson has gained over a 100 total yards in each game and is handling the protection duties pretty well. Ball security hasn’t really been an issue for DJ so far, hopefully that remains to be the case in Philly.
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Special teams. Patrick Peterson receives the punts, takes what he can get, but mostly is just securing the possession for Arizona. Kick-off returns have been spread around, nothing really notable to discuss there, and that’s probably a good thing.
My concern this week is the field position for the Cardinal defense after the kick offs and punts to Philadelphia. Pro-bowler Justin Bethel and the special teams units will have to protect any lead or points that the Cardinals put up. Returns can be game changers, Arizona will have to stay disciplined in their assignments.
-Give me the Score
Nope. With the way these two teams stack up against each other, you’d figure Arizona has the advantage. But that’s why they play the game. Whoever wants this game more will it win on Sunday night. The good news is Arizona has already wanted a lot of their games more this year, 11 out of 13 to be exact.
Graffix by Mike Yduarte
