Nick Piccone
The Eagles are back at The Linc this weekend for their second home game in five weeks. They’ll face a team in the Arizona Cardinals that’s flying across the country, but hasn’t really let that factor affect them in their recent games in Philly. Another 1:00 P.M. start time on FOX against a team that hasn’t been able to protect their quarterback will hopefully spell some good things from the Birds’ defensive line.
If not, it’s going to be a long week during a short week, as the Eagles take on the Panthers next Thursday night in Carolina. Anyone else not really looking forward to that one?
RELATED: Check out our predictions for last week’s Eagles vs. Chargers game. How’d we do?
To the predictions:
Candis McLean (@CandisRMcLean):
This is an interesting matchup. I’m fully aware of the vaunted speed receiving attack coming to town. When I think back on the chunk yardage plays given up to the Giants and Chargers, my doubts aren’t quelled. However, this may be the worst backfield we’ll face all year next to the Giants’ underwhelming shuffle. In the battle of Carsons, I’ll take the guy without the five interceptions every time. The Eagles win in a tough game where field goals get it done and the Eagles’ inability to score touchdowns in the red zone continues.
Eagles 23-17.
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Dave Uram (@MrUram):
The Eagles actually won last week because Doug Pederson’s game plan and play-calling was spot on in focusing on the run. I’ll give Pederson the benefit of the doubt that he’ll make the right decisions for a second week in a row, balancing out the play-calling since Arizona’s run defense is pretty decent. The key to this game will be pressuring Carson Palmer, recording sacks and creating turnovers. Palmer is the most sacked QB in the NFL and Arizona sports the worst rushing offense in football. Being at Lincoln Financial Field will be very beneficial. If the Eagles can constantly be in Palmer’s grill and overwhelm him, while maintaining a good offensive output, they will be 4-1.
Eagles 27-24.
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Tony Cutillo (@TCutillo23):
Everyone has to lose sometime, and last week was my time to fail. Thankfully, the Eagles have not lived by that same logic. Coming off an impressive win against the Chargers, the Eagles will look to build off of their 214 rushing yards and take it right to Arizona. The Cardinals have been decimated by injuries, but their defense can still shine. In a battle for supremacy, I think the Eagles will come out victorious.
Behind the arm of Carson Wentz and the legs of LeGarrette Blount, the Birds will go 4-1! Oh, and no, I will not jump on the Pederson Train just yet. There’s still time for him to take us on the wrong route! Not on Sunday, though.
Eagles 17-9.
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Adrian Fedkiw (@AdrianFedkiw):
Bruce Arians seems like the stubborn type and if he lets it get the best of him on Sunday, Carson Palmer might be leaving in an ambulance. Arians likes the implement the deep passing attack, and in order for that to work to full effectiveness, the Cardinals’ shaky offensive line will have to keep Palmer upright against a defensive line that salivates getting after the quarterback. If Arizona doesn’t go to a quick passing attack, which is the kryptonite of the Eagles’ defense, I think it’s going to be difficult for them to move the ball consistently. I’ve got the Eagles winning comfortably.
Eagles 23-9.
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Nick Piccone (@nickpiccone):
While the Eagles’ secondary is susceptible to the big play at least once a game, I’m totally fine with them giving up a long touchdown to Larry Fitzgerald – again – if the defense can keep the Cardinals in check the rest of the game. With Carson Palmer behind center, the Eagles have a great chance to sack him snap after snap. If the defensive front can put the pressure on, the corners will look a lot better.
And so far this season, the Eagles have shown us the ability to win close games. The corners on Arizona are tough, but that will allow Wentz to run a bit more than usual and utilize his running backs as more pass catchers in this particular game. Eagles win by 10.
Eagles 20-10.
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Sean Brace (@Sean_Brace):
I think we’re looking at a close game on Sunday. Running the football against the Cardinals is a lot more difficult than running against the Giants and Chargers. Continue to look for Wentz and Ertz to connect as the wideouts struggle to get open. I still like the rookie kicker to shine again and the Eagles to slide out of the Linc with a 23-20 win.
Eagles 23-20.
You can follow Nick Piccone on Twitter (@nickpiccone) and e-mail him at [email protected]. Subscribe to his podcast on iTunes here and listen live on WildfireRadio.com every Friday at 2pm. Click here to read his pro wrestling articles on PhillyVoice. Follow Philly Influencer on Twitter (@PHL_Influencer), Facebook and Instagram.