Eagles vs. Cardinals: 7 storylines to watch for in Week 17

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.

On defense, the Eagles are expected to get Zach Cunningham and Nicholas Morrow back, hopefully strengthening a defensive unit decimated by injury and poor play over the past month.

With the week’s final practice underway, we’re looking at seven storylines to watch in Week 17.

A.J. Brown chasing history

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – DECEMBER 25: A.J. Brown #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles walks off the field with medical personnel during the third quarter against the New York Giants at Lincoln Financial Field on December 25, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images)

With another 100+ yard performance, A.J. Brown will establish a single-season franchise record with his 8th game with 100+ receiving yards, breaking a tie with Terrell Owens (7 in 2004).

Gannon-Sirianni connection

Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

After years as assistants with the Colts, Gannon and Sirianni spent two seasons together in Philadelphia, including a trip to Super Bowl LVII. Two days after the crushing 38-35 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, Gannon was named the Cardinals’ head coach.

Gannone was blamed for losing to Kansas City after the Eagles’ defense struggled to adjust to motion, allowed three touchdown drives and the game-winning field goal in the second half.

Familiar faces

Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Cardinals WR Zach Pascal spent the 2022 season with the Eagles, appearing in all 17 regular season games (two starts) and totaling 15 receptions for 150 yards and a TD.

Cardinals S Andre Chachere played two seasons with the Eagles (2021-22), appearing in 23 games (one start) with 12 tackles and one tackle for loss to go along with eight special teams tackles.

Eagles LB Haason Reddick was a fi rst round selecƟ on (13th overall) of the Cardinals in the 2017 DraŌ and appeared in 64 games (31 starts) with Arizona. In four seasons (2017-20), he amassed 250 tackles, 20.0 sacks, 15 passes defensed, 32 QB hits, 33 tackles for loss, nine forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.

Cardinals LB Tyreek Maddox-Williams is a nativw of Philadelphia, PA and spent time with the Eagles during the 2023 preseason.

Swift set to make history

Dec 25, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back D’Andre Swift (0) scores a touchdown past New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney (29) during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

D’Andre Swift (988) is 12 rushing yards shy of his first 1,000 yard season.

Cardinals success vs. Philly

Oct 9, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, U.S.; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) throws while pressured by Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Haason Reddick (7) during the first quarter at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Chow-USA TODAY Sports

Arizona would improve to 4-2 in its last six games vs. the Eagles and earn its 28th regular season win at Philadelphia.

The Cardinals already have more road wins against the Eagles (27) than they
have against any other opponent.

Cardinals strength

Oct 9, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) runs against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Arizona features one of the NFL’s top rushing attacks in 2023. The Cardinals have rushed for 1,938 yards and 15 TDs on 393 carries (4.9 avg.) this season.

Arizona’s 129.2 rushing yards per game average ranks ninth in the NFL, their 4.93 rushing average ranks third, and their 15 rushing TDs are tied for eighth.

Clinching scenarios

Dec 25, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back D’Andre Swift (0) celebrates his touchdown against the New York Giants at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Philadelphia clinches NFC East Division title with:

PHI win + DAL loss or tie OR
PHI tie + DAL loss

Trey McBride a player to watch

Dec 17, 2023; Glendale, Ariz, United States; Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) celebrates after a first down against the San Francisco 49ers during the third quarter at State Farm Stadium.

With two games remaining in 2023, second-year TE Trey McBride leads the Cardinals in both receptions (72) and receiving yards (743) while adding two TD catches.

McBride is in the next wave of talented tight ends set to enhance NFL passing games.