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
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
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
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
D’Andre Swift (988) is 12 rushing yards shy of his first 1,000 yard season.
Cardinals success vs. Philly
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
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
Philadelphia clinches NFC East Division title with:
PHI win + DAL loss or tie OR
PHI tie + DAL loss
Trey McBride a player to watch
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.
