3 causes for concern as the Eagles and Cardinals meet in Week 5
The Eagles (4-0) and Cardinals (2-2) are set for what could be the game of the week as the two teams meet at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
Arizona is led by quarterback Kyler Murray, running back James Conner, and tight end Zach Ertz and as the team waits for DeAndre Hopkins to return in Week 7, they’re being carried by active defense.
With the undefeated Eagles one week away from the Cowboys, here are three causes for concern in Week 5.
Kyler Murray wizard in the pocket
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The Eagles lead the league with 16 sacks while they rank third in quarterback pressures at 32.2%.
On Sunday they face a quarterback that’s similar to Jalen Hurts, and even more deadly when he’s in the open field as a runner or passer.
In the second half of their win over Las Vegas, he completed 25-of-40 pass attempts for 224 yards and a touchdown, while also rushing for 28 yards and a touchdown on five carries.
Murray became the first player in NFL history to have a passing TD, a rushing TD, a two-point
conversion pass and a two-point conversion run in the same game.
On his two-point conversion run that lasted nearly 21 seconds, Murray ran a total distance of 84.9 yards, according to NFL Next Gen Stats.
That elusiveness and ability to find an open target could give Jonathan Gannon concern, forcing the Eagles into a passive approach to rushing the passer.
Active Arizona defense
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No NFL defense is a carbon copy of another team’s personnel, but the Arizona Cardinals resemble Philadelphia’s depth and versatility on defense through four games.
During their win over the Panthers, the Arizona defense added an interception, five tipped passes off Panthers QB Baker Mayfield, and a fumble recovery during the first two quarters.
To start the second half, the Cardinals limited Carolina to 16 net yards, one first down, and 12 plays in their first four possessions.
In an entire afternoon, the Arizona defense limited the Panthers to 220 yards, 2-for-10 on third down, and 1-for-3 on fourth down.
The Cardinals’ front seven can be disruptive and they are buoyed by Zach Allen and J.J. Watt to name a few.
Looking ahead to Dallas
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Dallas is 3-1 on the season and likely to have one final game against the Rams before Dak Prescott returns for a huge Sunday night tilt at Lincoln Financial Field.
If the Eagles want to win the NFC East and send a message, they’ll need to beat the Cowboys, and Week 5 offers a prime opportunity for the NFL’s top team to get caught looking ahead to a nationally televised showdown.
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