On Sunday, the (3-12) Arizona Cardinals take on the (11-4) Philadelphia Eagles. This game reads like a total mismatch but the games are not played on paper. The Eagles are favored by 11.5 points.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The Cardinals may be able to pull of the upset. The performance of Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray is the key to that. What can the Cardinals expect from Murray?
The Flight of the Eagle
The Philadelphia Eagles defense has not lived up to expectations this season. Last year, the Eagles were eight in points allowed. They allowed 20.2 points per game.
The secondary and pass rush was a lethal combination for Philadelphia. They were first against the pass. The Eagles only allowed 3,057 yards through all 17 regular season games.
This season they have allowed 3,762 yards through 15 games. Philadelphia has allowed 31 touchdown passes and only caught seven interceptions.
Last season, they only allowed 22 touchdown passes and caught 17 interceptions. The Eagles have more holes in the defensive unit this year.
Murray vs The Eagles
Kyler Murray has put up decent numbers but he has been inconsistent this season. This is not all on him as the lack of production from the wide receiver position has not been very good.
Last week against the Chicago Bears, the leading receiver was running back James Conner. Conner had five receptions for 67 yards.
The leading receiver for the Cardinals since Murray’s return has been tight end Trey McBride. McBride has caught 44 passes for 456 yards and one touchdown.
This is the perfect week for the wide receivers to step up for Murray. Murray may be able to take advantage of an under performing defense while one of the wide receivers step up.
This may be the week where Murray reminds the world of his ability. He could pass for more than 300 yards and two or more touchdowns.
Hurts Hurting The Pass Game
Jalen Hurts has had an up and down season this year. He has passed for 3,636 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. This was after only throwing six interceptions in 2022.
Over the last five games Hurts has averaged 227.8 passing yards per game. He has completed 60% of his passes during that span.
Cardinals Defense Against the Pass
The Arizona Cardinals have struggled on defense this season. They are 31st in the league in points allowed per game. The Cardinals are allowing 26.9 points per game.
They have allowed 3,240 yards, 27 touchdowns, and only caught 10 interceptions. Over the last five games, the Cardinals have given up 231.2 passing yards per game.
Hurts may pass for 240 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions in this game.
This is a game where both Hurts and Murray may shine. The fans may be in store for a shootout.
