Offensive MVP- Running Back LeSean McCoy
Although Arizona has one of the stingiest run defenses in the league, giving up just over three yards a carry, expect McCoy to have a strong game on the ground. Last game, McCoy rushed for a season high 149 yards, and this trend should continue. The Eagle’s offensive line has been bit by the injury bug, but reserves David Molk and Matt Tobin are beginning to gel and play well. Additionally, the Cardinals will be without run-stopper Calias Campbell due to injury. Also, the Eagles will likely be without running back Darren Sproles due to an MCL sprain, giving more carries to McCoy. Expect McCoy to rush for over 150 yards and have at least one touchdown.
Defensive MVP -Inside Linebacker Mychal Kendricks
Kendricks has missed the Eagle’s previous four games with a calf strain. He is a defensive playmaker whose return should help force turnovers and bolster the Eagle’s run game. Kendricks has a great speed for a linebacker, which will help him to cover the electric Arizona running back Andre Ellington out of the backfield. Expect Kendricks to record at least five tackles and force one turnover.
X-factor Eagle’s Pass Rush and Larry Fitzgerald
This week there are really two major X-factors to take into account. The Eagle’s pass rush has been strong this year, especially as of late, after the eight sack performance against the Giants two weeks ago. Cardinal’s quarterback Carson Palmer is a relatively immobile pocket passer, and the Eagles should be able to continue their pass rush prowess. Cardinal’s receiver Larry Fitzgerald has been an Eagle killer in past years (eagles fans remember the 2009 NFC championship very vividly). As he has aged and is no longer the Cardinals number one receiving option, a la Michael Floyd, Fitzgerald could still have a strong outing against the porous Eagles’ cornerbacks. If Fitzgerald plays well, it is a significant advantage for the Cardinals.
Final Prediction
The Cardinals will not be able to keep pace with the Chip Kelly’s high-octane offense. The ground game and pass rush of the Eagles will propel the Eagles to victory.
Eagles 24- Cardinals 14
Although Arizona has one of the stingiest run defenses in the league, giving up just over three yards a carry, expect McCoy to have a strong game on the ground. Last game, McCoy rushed for a season high 149 yards, and this trend should continue. The Eagle’s offensive line has been bit by the injury bug, but reserves David Molk and Matt Tobin are beginning to gel and play well. Additionally, the Cardinals will be without run-stopper Calias Campbell due to injury. Also, the Eagles will likely be without running back Darren Sproles due to an MCL sprain, giving more carries to McCoy. Expect McCoy to rush for over 150 yards and have at least one touchdown.
Defensive MVP -Inside Linebacker Mychal Kendricks
Kendricks has missed the Eagle’s previous four games with a calf strain. He is a defensive playmaker whose return should help force turnovers and bolster the Eagle’s run game. Kendricks has a great speed for a linebacker, which will help him to cover the electric Arizona running back Andre Ellington out of the backfield. Expect Kendricks to record at least five tackles and force one turnover.
X-factor Eagle’s Pass Rush and Larry Fitzgerald
This week there are really two major X-factors to take into account. The Eagle’s pass rush has been strong this year, especially as of late, after the eight sack performance against the Giants two weeks ago. Cardinal’s quarterback Carson Palmer is a relatively immobile pocket passer, and the Eagles should be able to continue their pass rush prowess. Cardinal’s receiver Larry Fitzgerald has been an Eagle killer in past years (eagles fans remember the 2009 NFC championship very vividly). As he has aged and is no longer the Cardinals number one receiving option, a la Michael Floyd, Fitzgerald could still have a strong outing against the porous Eagles’ cornerbacks. If Fitzgerald plays well, it is a significant advantage for the Cardinals.
Final Prediction
The Cardinals will not be able to keep pace with the Chip Kelly’s high-octane offense. The ground game and pass rush of the Eagles will propel the Eagles to victory.
Eagles 24- Cardinals 14