Week 3 Wrap-Up: Eagles vs. Cardinals

(Photo: Philadelphia Eagles)

One of the most evident failures of the afternoon for the Philadelphia Eagles was the protection of quarterback, Michael Vick, who took ten hits in just the first half from the Cardinals defense. Vick began to get up slower and slower as the game progressed showing signs of pain and discomfort.

Lack of protection also led to a late first half turnover where Vick was hit and fumbled and the red zone. Safety, Kerry Rhodes, recovered the fumble and ran it back 93 yards for a Cardinals touchdown. Michael Vick spent much of the game scrambling from defenders and saw limited time in the pocket as defenders rushed him on multiple plays.

The Eagles defense also demonstrated struggling play as they had trouble stopping both the Cardinals run and pass game. Most notably, corner back, Nnamdi Asomugha, saw trouble defending future Hall of Fame wide receiver, Larry Fitzgerald, including being beat by Fitzgerald for the Cardinals third touchdown of the game. Fitzgerald finished the game with receiving 114 yards.

Running back, Ryan Williams, also had a bounce back game after nearly costing the Cardinals the game last week against the Patriots with a late fumble before a missed Patriots field goal gave Arizona the victory.

The only Eagles points came from Alex Henery who booted in two field goals. However, the special teams did not have a flawless afternoon as a Damaris Johnson fumbled punt return led to a Cardinals touchdown.

Criticisms for the Eagles mainly centered around their lack of running the ball throughout most of the game. Running backs Lesean McCoy and Bryce Brown had quiet afternoons. With Jeremy Maclin out due to injury, Damaris Johnson got more time with the offense but that was not enough to lift the Eagles to a victory.

Next week, the Eagles will head into their first divisional match-up of the season versus the 2-1 New York Giants who are coming off an impressive 36-7 victory in Carolina. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:20 pm.