Game Preview – ARZ at PHI
Posted: December 30th, 2023 | Author: Tommy Lawlor | Filed under: Philadelphia Eagles | 2 Comments »The Cardinals come to Philly with a 3-12 record. They are one of the worst teams in the league. This is a huge mismatch on paper. The only thing that makes me nervous is that this is the Cardinals. They have been a thorn in the Eagles side for decades.
The big storyline is the return of Jonathan Gannon. He was the Eagles DC for the past two years and more than a few people blame the Super Bowl loss on him. That’s a complicated discussion, but that certainly wasn’t a game he’d be proud of.
This game might be about revenge for some fans. The Eagles are just trying to stay on schedule for the #2 seed and need a win to do that. The Eagles would love to play a complete game and get a big win. Doing that against Gannon would be a bonus. Just playing well is the real focus. The team came close last week, but made some key mistakes and turned a blowout into a tight game. This week go get the blowout.
Nick Sirianni made the point that the Eagles know Gannon, but that also means he knows them. This game won’t be won or lost by insider knowledge. This will be won by the Eagles if they play to their ability. They are the better team. They are the healthier team. They’re at home. There is no excuse for losing.
Arizona is dead last in run defense. They allow 147 yards a game and 4.7 yards per carry. Not ideal. The Cardinals don’t get off blocks well. They have some gap integrity issues. They don’t always tackle well. Other than that, they’re great. The formula for the Eagles should be simple. Run the ball on this team as much as you can.
On one hand: there's little prettier in football than a well-blocked run play. Great use of the inside toss here to get AZ moving wide before knifing Herbert up the backside.
On the other hand: When Tonyan and Whitehair are throwing your guys around, you may need better guys. pic.twitter.com/iofY1CJvuz
— Robert Schmitz (@robertkschmitz) December 27, 2023
https://twitter.com/ChicagoBears/status/1739045007720341646
When I checked out Arizona’s game vs Chicago from last Sunday, run defense was a problem from the start. The Bears ran behind the LG with ease multiple times. There were some big bubbles to attack. The RB got plenty of yards before contact. Chicago had success running inside and outside. Justin Fields ate them up with QB runs, some designed and some scrambles. Chicago ran for 250 yards in the game. They won 27-16.
Arizona just doesn’t have a good roster. I actually think Gannon and his staff have done some good things with them and they do play hard. They’re plucky. But they just aren’t talented. Let’s talk about some of the key players.
Kyler Murray – He’s back from his injury. Murray is as athletic as ever. The Bears did a good job of keeping him in the pocket and taking away his ability to scramble.
James Conner – Big RB who is averaging 4.9 ypc. Downhill runner with good power. Looked good catching passes last week.
Trey McBride – Young TE is an athletic pass-catcher and the guy who really stands out on the Arizona offense. Will be a good challenge for the Eagles.
Dennis Gardeck – OLB leads the team with 6 sacks. Stood out to me as an effort player. You see #45 flying around no matter what the score is.
Jalen Thompson – Leads the team with 4 INTs. Good cover skills and has a nose for the ball. Impressive pick vs CHI. Also has 5 TFLs.
Budda Baker – One of the leading tacklers and the leader of the defense. Hasn’t been much of a playmaker this year.
The Eagles need to rush under control to contain Murray. You want him in the pocket, not on the move. Reddick, Sweat and BG need to be smart. Don’t get deep and give Murray escape lanes. You’re better to bull rush and drive the OL backward and box Murray in. I could see the Eagles playing a lot of zone coverage so the DBs can keep their eyes in the backfield in case Murray does get loose.
Murray doesn’t have good receivers. Rondale Moore and Greg Dortch are slot guys. Avante Maddox will have his hands full with them. Michael Wilson has good size. Hollywood Brown is the best receiver, but he just went on IR.
The OL is effective. DJ Humphries is a veteran LT. Rookie Paris Johnson is the RT. The Cardinals can run the ball well. They ran for 222 on Dallas and 234 on the Niners. Arizona is 9th in the league in rushing. They run with RBs, WRs and QBs. The Eagles need to limit their run game and force Murray to throw the ball.
I’m curious to see how the Eagles attack on offense. I think running the ball is the smart way to go, but you know Sirianni loves to throw the ball early. Arizona only has 33 sacks and they don’t have great CBs. If the Eagles OL gives Jalen Hurts a clean pocket, he’ll have a chance to move the ball through the air. Chicago used their TE on some downfield throws. Dallas Goedert could be in for a big game.
Hurts and the skill players must protect the ball. Turnovers are always the great X-factor.
Let’s hope the coaches feed D’Andre Swift and Kenny Gainwell.
Eagles Offense All22 thread vs. Giants. 1) Eagles started with my fav run play, GT Counter Bash, and they went after Thibodeaux who isn't a great run defender. Thibodeaux tries to cheat inside so Hurts hands it off. The Eagles are calling more runs where the QB can keep it now. pic.twitter.com/Jcfee9mUxZ
— Jonny Page (@JonnyPage9) December 27, 2023
I’m not going all “Run the damn ball!” but when your opponent really struggles in an area where you’re good…don’t overthink it. Let the OL tee off and mash on the Cards front. Play BullyBall and put this game away.
No matter how it happens, go win this game and move a step closer to the NFC East title and the #2 seed.
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