Coach Chip Kelly's offense isn't the only reason why the Philadelphia Eagles are surging. The Eagles' defense came up huge once again in the team's 24-21 victory over the Arizona Cardinals at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday.
Here's what else we learned in the game:
- Eagles defensive coordinator Billy Davis deserves a lot of credit. He confused Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer with a number of creative blitzes Sunday. The Eagles sacked Palmer five times, including two apiece by linebackers Brandon Graham and Trent Cole. Philly had 11 passes defensed. When the Cardinals had a chance to win late, they couldn't pick up a first down.
- With all that said, Palmer had a terrible day overall. The numbers don't look that bad, but he made a lot of bad throws.
- It was a strange game for quarterback Nick Foles and the Eagles' offense. Philadelphia had just five first downs in its first four drives. Sitting on a 24-7 lead, the Eagles put up just 30 yards combined in their last four drives. Foles was bailed out after making an awful decision on a late interception that was overturned by a penalty.
Foles was sensational in between those stretches in his toughest matchup of the year. He did plenty right, always willing to pull the trigger on deep throws. But this isn't a sustaining offense, and the Eagles struggle to maintain leads.
- Despite the loss, the Cardinals' offense continues to look more dangerous by the week. Wide receiver Michael Floyd (99 yards) made a number of ridiculous plays again. Running back Rashard Mendenhall has looked like a new man the past two weeks.
- Eagles rookie tight end Zach Ertz was a big factor with twotouchdowns on five catches for 68 yards. The Eagles need another receiver to emerge, and Ertz could fit the bill.
- Could two NFC East teams make the playoffs? It's unlikely, but the Eagles, at 7-5, would now have a potential tiebreak over the Cardinals if they tied for a wild-card spot.
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