The Eagles (11-4) host the Cardinals (3-12) on Sunday afternoon at Lincoln Financial Field in an intriguing matchup that’ll see Jonathan Gannon return to Philadelphia for the first time since the Super Bowl 57 loss to Kansas City.
There are several vital storylines and matchups to watch, while the quarterback battle will feature two dual-threat stars in Jalen Hurts and Kyler Murray.
With kickoff less than 24 hours away, here are three keys for the Eagles offense against the Cardinal’s defense.
Run the football
This goes beyond fans yelling out the request, and falls more in-line with the most efficient gameplan for Sunday afternoon.
Philadelphia likes the downfield passing game, but the recipe for success lies with a talented offensive line and D’Andre Swift.
Arizona’s defense is allowing 27 points a game, second worst in the NFL, and they are giving up 147 rushing yards a game, most in the league.
Take advantage of experience on offensive side of the football
Arizona’s current 53-man roster features 13 rookies.
Only Tennessee (14) has more. The Cardinals have had an NFL-high 11 different rookies start at least one game in 2023. Arizona’s rookie class has combined for 129 games played, 55 starts, 6 TDs, 58 receptions, 655 receiving yards, 284 rushing yards, 180 tackles, 7.5 sacks, 14 tackles for loss, 10 passes defensed and 1 INT.
The Cardinals have six rookies starting on the defensive side of the football, and Nick Sirianni’s team must take advantage.
Go after Starling Thomas V early and often
Thomas initially signed with the Lions as an undrafted free after earning All-Conference USA honors during his final season at UAB.
Thomas has appeared in 10 games (five starts) in ‘23, and had a career-high eight tackles last week in Chicago.
The rookie cornerback is the one player Jalen Hurts and the Eagles offense will target with the veteran Antonio Hamilton Sr. on the other side.
