Flashback Friday: Philadelphia Eagles continue to soar versus the Cards

After the Philadelphia Eagles escaped a close one versus the Los Angeles Chargers, they made a conscious effort to make sure the next game ended on a different note.

In the weeks leading up to their game against the Arizona Cardinals, the Philadelphia Eagles had played a couple of games that were a bit too close for comfort. First, they clashed with the New York Giants in a battle of NFC East rivals. That one took a 61-yard field goal from then-rookie kicker Jake Elliot to decide the outcome. The shot heard around the league would be the franchise’s longest field goal in team history, and it lifted the Birds to a 27-24 victory over the G-Men.

The next week, the Eagles headed west to meet the Los Angeles Chargers. They led the entire game, but the Chargers never gave up. Los Angeles eventually cut the deficit to two points with less than seven minutes remaining in the ball game. Philly would piece together a a 13-play, 59-yard drive that put the final nail in the L.A.’s coffin.

Week 5 proved to be a different story as the Eagles battled the Cardinals. There would be no game winning field goal or long drive to run out the clock.

The game would be decided long before the final possession of the game.

First quarter magic…

The first quarter was all about Philly. ‘The Birds’ jumped out to an early lead when quarterback Carson Wentz hit tight end Trey Burton on a 15-yard fade route in the end zone. The Eagles tacked on two more scores in the first quarter. They capped off their fantastic first quarter success with another Wentz touchdown. Wentz threw a 59-yard bomb to receiver Torrey Smith that extended the lead to 21-0.

Wentz had a game to remember.

Philly was firing on all cylinders. Mainly because Wentz was firing beauties to his receivers. From that first touchdown pass, ‘Number 11′ kept dealing. He threw four touchdowns passes, a career best for the second-year quarterback. Along with his impressive touchdown total, he threw for 304 yards and completed 21 of his 30 passes. Wentz only threw one interception when he got too aggressive at the end of the first half. He would earn player of the game honors as he carved up the Cards’ defense all afternoon.

The Philadelphia Eagles’ defense deserves some credit.

Everyone tends to put this win on Wentz and the offense. Wentz was definitely incredible and the main factor why Philly won by such a large margin, but let’s give credit where credit is due.

The defense performed exceptionally well. They kept Arizona out of the end zone for most of the game. Philly forced punts on almost every Arizona drive. They also caused a turnover on downs and a fumble late in the game.

The special teams unit was also responsible for a blocked field goal at the end of the first half.

Philadelphia went on to win the game 34-7. The Eagles’ annihilation of the Cardinals extended the win streak to three games and a 4-1 record after five games, making them 2-0 at home.

Here are some of the highlights.

Video courtesy of the NFL’s official YouTube page

Check out some of the stats.

Philadelphia

Passing: Carson Wentz (QB) : 21-30, 304 YDS, 4 TD, 1 INT

Rushing: LeGarrette Blount (RB) : 14 CAR, 74 YD

Receiving: Nelson Agholor (WR): 4 REC, 93 YDS, 1 TD

Arizona

Passing: Carson Palmer (QB) : 28-44, 291 YDS, 1 TD

Rushing: Chris Johnson (RB) : 9 CAR, 21 YDS

Receiving: Jamarcus Jermaine “J. J.” Nelson (WR): 4 REC, 80 YDS

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