LeSean McCoy and the Eagles, second in the NFL in rushing yards per game, take on the Arizona Cardinals and the second-best rush defense in the NFL. Photo Courtesy of ESPN.com
Two weeks ago, when the Philadelphia Eagles handed the Washington Redskins a second loss in the 2013 season, the Eagles had not only moved ahead of .500 at 6-5 but also claimed the NFC East lead.
14 days later, the Eagles are preparing to face the Arizona Cardinals, winners in six of their last eight games. They are now back in second place in the NFC East after two wins for the Dallas Cowboys in the time Philadelphia was idle. It turns Sunday’s game into a must-win simply to keep pace.
The Eagles season has been a roller-coaster ride of emotions. At one point, all of the focus was on a new quarterback and a new beginning even after Chip Kelly’s first season. Now it’s about playoff hopes.
Those hopes rest heavily on the next two games, the first being against the Cardinals.
Arizona has won four straight games entering Sunday behind strong play by Carson Palmer at quarterback. Despite having just the 24th-ranked rushing offense in the NFL, Rashard Mendenhall is among the up-and-coming running backs in the league, still at age 26 despite six years of experience in the league.
The top target will be Larry Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald, an all-pro wide receiver, is strictly the only formidable target the Cardinals have. However, he has been what has powered the Cardinals offense this season.
Fitzgerald is actually second on the team in receiving yards behind Michael Floyd, but does lead the team with 50 receptions and eight touchdowns. Floyd has been battling a shoulder injury but is probable for Sunday.
On defense, Calais Campbell and Darnell Dockett lead the Cardinals at the line. The linebackers are power by John Abraham. The left-outside linebacker leads the team with seven sacks. Right-inside linebacker Karlos Dansby leads the team in tackles with 88.
The Cardinals have the NFL’s second-best rushing defense, allowing 81.3 yards per game, meaning things could be tough for LeSean McCoy and the second-best rushing offense in the NFL. That could mean the Eagles have to rely more on a strong performance from Nick Foles and good receiving days from DeSean Jackson, Brent Celek, Zach Ertz and Riley Cooper.
Injury Report
Eagles
Out:
- S Earl Wolff (knee)
Probable:
- CB Bradley Fletcher (pectoral)
- S Colt Anderson (ankle)
- LB Jake Knott (hamstring)
- LB Mychal Kendricks (knee)
Cardinals
Questionable:
- RB Andre Ellington (knee) – did not participate in practice
Probable:
- QB Carson Palmer (hand)
- WR Michael Floyd (shoulder)
- RB Alfonso Smith (ankle)
- S Rashad Johnson (ribs)
- S Yeremiah Bell (knee)
Kevin Durso is a contributor for Eagledelphia. Look for his weekly Monday Review the morning after every Eagles game. Follow him on twitter @KDursoPhilsNet.
