When the undefeated Eagles and Cardinals face off in Arizona this Sunday, each team will be testing out recent replacements since suffering early-season injuries, hoping to end the game 3-0.
Here’s an easy to understand overview of how the teams matchup in week 3.
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The Quarterbacks.
By: Matthew Straubmuller
In week 2, the Eagles lost two offensive linemen and the Cardinals still missing starting quarterback John Skelton continued with backup quarterback and former Eagle Kevin Kolb. Skelton is likely to remain out with an ankle injury so Kolb will lead Arizona against his former teammates, including going head-to-head with the man who replaced him in Philadelphia after Kolb suffered an injury in 2010. Michael Vick will head the Eagles’ offense, hoping to stem the tide of turnovers, interceptions and penalties.
In completion percentages Vick and Kolb are close, 59.1 and 60 percent, respectively. In 206 passing yards, Kolb has zero interceptions. In 688 passing yards, Vick is at the top of the league with six interceptions.
The Offense.
Despite a league-high of six interceptions and a team total of nine turnovers, the Eagles have inexplicably gone on to win, thanks in part to Vick’s aggressive downfield drives in clutch situations. Explosive offensive players including Brent Celek, averaging 20.6 yards per catch, and DeSean Jackson will be keys to the Eagles’ momentum in advancing the ball.
That said, the Eagles lost some key players to injury in last week’s game, including center Jason Kelce, who is out for the season, and left tackle King Dunlap. As of Wednesday, receiver Jeremy Maclin, struggling with a hip injury, did not practice. With recently-signed free agent Demetress Bell stepping into the left tackle slot and backup center Dallas Reynolds set for his first career start, Eagles will be pushing to keep consistent offensive line in place. Going forward, this week and beyond, Eagles have to quickly cure the three plagues of the team’s first two weeks: penalties, turnovers and interceptions.
