Birds Squeeze By In Arizona

The Eagles face one of their tougher tasks on Sunday as they faced the Arizona Cardinals at 2-2. In what was a large turn out for Eagles' fans, the team had their hands full with the offense lead by quarterback Kyler Murray. In the first half it was looking like it might be another Philadelphia blowout victory after a 14-0 start. However, the Arizona offense began to string things together and make it tougher on the Philly defense. With a solid performance from quarterback Jalen Hurts again, and both sides of the ball playing to par, it was going to be a shame to lose in Arizona. It ultimately came down to the last possession, where some questionable decisions by the Cardinals lead to a missed field goal, and a 20-17 thriller in favor of the Eagles.

Major Takeaways:

1. Defense had a scare

• The defense has been one of the best in the league this season, but had a real test this past game. Kyler Murray is one of those explosive quarterbacks that you have to back careful with. He was able to show his ability to escape in many scenarios and extend the play for the Cardinals. This was something the line struggled with, but they were still able to get to him in multiple occasions. The defense was also able to force a turnover in the first half on an arrant throw by way of interception from CJ Gardner-Johnson. They did struggle with tackling in this game, which was apparent on the touchdowns, but is normally something they thrive on. Although they struggled at points in stopping the offense, they only allowed 17 points, which was enough in the game.

2. First half offense continues to shine

• Again this was another game where the first half offense was better than the second half. They got off to a quick 14-0 start in the first half, but only came out with two more field goals in the second. This then allowed the Cardinals to make their way back into the game, and nearly won the game. This is something the team has struggled with throughout the year, and will not be okay in certain games.

3. Must keep foot on the gas

• With that first half offense success, the team will most certainly have to stay consistent through the game. Some teams may not be enough for the defense to fully contain in the second half, and the offense will have to deliver better. The team had a 14 point lead, but ultimately lost by three just slightly. If the Eagles want to establish themselves as one of the best, they will have to keep their foot on the gas when it comes to leads, and second half offense for the future.

4. Goedert emerging

• One of the bright spots as of recent has been the success of tight end Dallas Goedert. The upcoming star has been establishing himself in the run game, and becoming reliable for Jalen Hurts. As weeks go by he has been more and more reliable for Hurts, racking up eight receptions and nearly 100 yards against Arizona. He has proven himself as one of the best tight ends after the catch as well, making it even harder for defenses. This emergence is a key part to the offense and makes them even more unpredictable to opposing defenses.

5. Good preparation for next week

• This tough game might have been what Philadelphia needed going into next week against Dallas. The Eagles haven't had too many tough games that tested them until the end, so hopefully this can show the team they can win those battles in the end. With a red hot Cowboys team, it was good for the Eagles to get a test on both sides of the ball. The more tests the team gets, the better and more proven they become. They will have their hands full next week and can really prove where they stand in the league after a promising victory in Arizona.

Notable Stats:

Jalen Hurts (QB) - 26/36, 239 Yds, 61 Rush Yds, 2 TD

Dallas Goedert (TE) - 8 Rec, 95 Yds

Devonta Smith (WR) - 10 Rec, 87 Yds

CJ Gardner-Johnson (S) - 10 TOT, 1 Int

Darius Slay (CB) - 9 TOT

Haason Reddick (OLB) - 1 TOT, 1 Sack

The Birds look to extend that undefeated streak to 6-0 next Sunday night as they face their biggest division rival, the Dallas Cowboys (4-1).