Eagles vs. Cardinals: Fun and intriguing stats that may influence the Week 17 strategy

Eagles held Giants star Saquon Barkley to 3.5 yards per carry in Week 16.

After watching the Eagles' defense get ripped to shreds on the ground for pretty much December's duration, Philadelphia had a better showing versus the hated New York Giants in Week 16. They allowed Big Blue to rack up 106 yards on 26 carries, roughly 4.1 yards per attempt, but they held their star, Saquon Barkley, an occasional Eagles killer, to 3.5 yards per tote.

James Conner has added 762 rushing yards to Arizona's cause during 11 games in 2023. He's averaging 4.9 yards per attempt. It would be nice to see Philly limit him in this one.

The Cardinals allowed 107 yards receiving to Bears tight end Cole Kmet in Week 16.

When Jonathan Gannon was the Eagles' defensive coordinator last season, it wasn't uncommon to see opposing tight ends go off. We were reminded of that last weekend while watching Cole Kmet torch the Cardinals for 107 yards receiving and get this. He did so by only tallying four receptions.

That brings us back to Dallas Goedert Philly would be wise to employ him. We have been hoping for a game where he goes off, and this could be that game. Keep an eye on the guy wearing the Eagles Number 88 jersey.