The Philadelphia Eagles are looking to move to 5-0 on the young season for the first time since 2004. To do so, they’ll have to do something that hasn’t been done for the franchise since 2001: win in Arizona.
Arizona has been a house of horrors for the Eagles in the last 20 years. Whether it was a loss in the NFC Title Game in 2008, losing heartbreakers to the Cardinals in 2020, or simply being outplayed in the Chip Kelly era, the Eagles have struggled out west.
Can Nick Sirianni and the 2022 Eagles change the course of history on Sunday?
We have everything you need to know about the matchup here.
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Arizona Cardinals
When: Sunday, October 9th, 4:25 pm ET
Where: State Farm Stadium
How to Watch: FOX
Injury Report
Arizona Cardinals
Out: Max Garcia, Rashard Lawrence, Matt Prater, Nick Vigil
Doubtful: Rodney Hudson
Questionable: Justin Pugh
Philadelphia Eagles
Out: Avonte Maddox, Jake Elliott, Patrick Johnson
Doubtful: Jordan Mailata
Questionable: Boston Scott, Kyron Johnson
Keys to the Game
Keep Kyler in the Pocket
Kyler Murray is the lone reason the Arizona Cardinals are 2-2 to start the season. His heroics in the Cardinal’s comeback over Las Vegas was sensational, and he was the best player on the field against Carolina. To beat a player like Murray, keeping him in the pocket, and limiting his chances to make extra plays with his leg. It’s a tall order, and extremely difficult with the way Murray plays, but the Eagle’s main issue in their past matchup with Arizona was being unable to get consistent pressure on the former first-overall pick. That needs to change on Sunday.
Limit Big Plays
Speaking of Murray, a big reason why Arizona dominated and scored at will in their matchup with Philadelphia was that the secondary was unable to stop DeAndre Hopkins. Hopkins won’t be playing on Sunday for violating the NFL’s drug policy. That doesn’t mean the Cardinals don’t have players who can make big plays. Marquise “Hollywood” Brown has been a thorn in Philly’s side when he was in Baltimore in 2020, and AJ Geen can still one-on-one matchups. Add in a former friend in Zach Ertz and the Cardinals are still a lethal offense. Limiting the big play, and making Arizona patiently move up the field will be important.
Win Turnover Battle
It’s been a while since the Eagles have had such a smart football team, but they have actually won the turnover battle in each of the first four weeks. Philly has been extremely good at taking care of the ball and forcing mistakes. That’s a big key going into a tough road environment in Arizona. It’s not that the Cardinals aren’t careful or Murray is reckless, but the secondary without Avonte Maddox needs to be even better than last week, and the Eagle’s offense needs to take advantage of holes in the Cardinal’s defense.
Photo by Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire
