Just three games remain in the 2015 regular season and the Eagles continue their push for the playoffs, despite the 6-7 record, with a Sunday night meeting against the 11-2 Arizona Cardinals.
The Eagles and Cardinals have had some memorable meetings of late and Sunday's should be no different as the Eagles look to keep things rolling in the right direction as they bid for the NFC East lead and crown in the coming weeks.
Facing a similar test to the opponent that started their current winning streak, the Cardinals are a team that certainly demands some national attention, and a win for the Eagles would certainly affirm the last few weeks of success for the Eagles.
With that, here are your six things to watch on Sunday night.
Larry Fitzgerald – For as long as the Eagles and Cardinals have met in the last 11 seasons, Larry Fitzgerald has been the catalyst and the one player that burns the Eagles on a regular basis. Fitzgerald has 38 catches for 650 yards and eight touchdowns in six games, insane numbers against a single team. Additionally, Fitzgerald is in the midst of another stellar season, with 96 catches, 1,088 yards and seven touchdowns. He's going to be the player to watch without question.
Putting Pressure on Carson Palmer – Brandon Graham said it already, which means the Eagles know the task at hand. The defense was able to hold Tom Brady at bay for three quarters because of constant pressure. Carson Palmer ranks second in the NFL in total passing yards this season, behind Brady. For the Eagles to have any sort of success, given the targets Palmer has, the Eagles will need to keep the pass rush going strong from the start.
Eagles secondary – It's not just Fitzgerald that could give the Eagles defense fits. John Brown and Michael Floyd are very reliable targets for Palmer and give the Cardinals offense so many options, it's going to be a tough task keeping them off the board. The Eagles have stood up to big challenges this season already in the last two weeks, and this one won't be any different.
Sam Bradford – The Eagles winning ways in the last two weeks have come from consistency and comfort with Sam Bradford leading the offense. Given the opposing offense, this is a game where Bradford and company need to bring their best on a defense that is proving to be among the best in the NFL.
The Eagles offensive tempo – The Eagles success on offense is going to be based a lot on the first couple of drives. If the Eagles don't get into a rhythm and the tempo isn't there from the start, one or two touchdowns will ice this game by halftime. But if the offense can get clicking, get ready. It might be a shootout to the finish.
Making a statement in the NFC East – In addition to having potentially another chance to take over the outright lead in the NFC East, pending the afternoon's results for Washington and New York, the Eagles not only have the chance to do that, but even if they remain tied with either team headed to Week 16, a win would be another statement for how this team has been rejuvenated at just the right time and probably would be enough to make the Eagles favorites to win the division, regardless of the rest of the NFC East standings.
Kevin Durso is managing editor for Eagledelphia. Follow him on Twitter @Kevin_Durso.
