The Philadelphia Eagles are 4-0 for the first time since 2004. Philadelphia hasn’t won in Arizona since the 2001 season (0-5 overall) while also including a loss in the NFC Championship Game in 2008.
The two teams in 2022 couldn’t be more different though. The Cardinals have injuries and suspensions lined up across the roster that have attributed to the team’s lackluster 2-2 start.
Can Kliff Kingsbury and Kyler Murray get on the same page and get a much-needed home win?
We have everything you need to know about the Cardinals here.
Arizona Cardinals (2-2)
Last Game: 26-16 win over Carolina Panthers
Offensive Ranking: 14th
Defensive Ranking: 17th
Head-to-Head Matchup: Arizona leads the series 60-56-5
Arizona Cardinals Coaching Staff
Head Coach: Kliff Kingsbury
Offensive Coordinator: Sean Kugler, Spencer Whipple, Cam Turner
Defensive Coordinator: Vance Joseph
Special Teams Coordinator: Jeff Rodgers
Offense
The Cardinals’ offense is incomplete through four games. That was to be expected when the team lost DeAndre Hopkins for six games due to violating the NFL’s drug policy. Kyler Murray hasn’t been bad, but the Cardinals’ high-paid signal-caller has clearly missed Hopkins greatly. Newly acquired Marquise “Hollywood” Brown has been a solid deep threat through four games, while former Eagles’ great, Zach Ertz, has been dependable on third down. Both of Arizona’s wins have come when the offense has struggled greatly for most of the game. If that continues on Sunday, Arizona could be staring at a 2-3 start.
Defense
Arizona is among the league low in total sacks this season: a large discrepancy from the Eagles being at the top of the league. Add in the fact that the defense has just two interceptions, and it’s no wonder that teams have had success moving the ball against the Cardinals’ defense. Players like JJ Watt and Budda Baker are excellent stars, but the overall talent level on the defense is inconsistent. The team is in the bottom echelon against the pass and is already going through a few injuries on their own.
Injuries
Questionable: JJ Watt, Zaven Collins, Rashard Lawrence, AJ Green, Hollywood Brown, DJ Humphries, Justin Pugh, Rodney Hudson
Out: Matt Prater
X-Factor: Kyler Murray
Quite simply put: if the Eagles can stop Kyler Murray, the Cardinals’ offense, and team, in general, will fall shortly after. Arizona has pulled out wins thanks to Murray seemingly putting the team on his back in the second half. If Philadelphia can limit the passing attack, and keep Murray in the pocket, there should be an excellent number of chances for the Eagles to move to 5-0. Of course, this is no tall order. Murray has shown the ability to escape in incredible fashion. The Eagles’ linebackers and defensive line will need to be disciplined throughout Sunday’s contest.
Photo by Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire
