Week 5 Preview: Arizona Cardinals vs Philadelphia Eagles

The Arizona Cardinals host the Philadelphia Eagles in a matchup between two of the NFC's most dynamic young quarterbacks in Week 5. The Eagles are the NFL's last undefeated team thanks to dominant play on both sides of the ball, and the Cardinals are hoping to hit their stride following an up-and-down 2-2 start. The Eagles are 5.5-point favorites to go on the road and pick up their fifth win.

48 hours#PHIvsAZ | #FlyEaglesFly

🎨: @ryanlynndesign pic.twitter.com/36anV3mEsS
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) October 7, 2022

Chief among the Eagles' many, many triumphs this season has been the emergence of quarterback Jalen Hurts. September's NFC Offensive Player of the Month has been sensational through four weeks, throwing for 1102 yards and adding 205 on the ground for the league's fourth-ranked scoring offense. He's been supported by a dominant group of skill position players: running back Miles Sanders had led the team to a fifth-ranked rushing attack, and pass catchers A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Dallas Goedert have combined for 901 receiving yards.

The Eagles defense may not have the player of the month, but they do have an even more impressive distinction: an Eagles defender has won Player of the Week for three consecutive weeks. The pass defense in particular has been exceptional, notching 16 sacks and holding opposing quarterbacks to a league-best 4.3 net yards per passing attempt. The Eagles have been deep at pass rush with five players tallying two or more sacks, and cornerbacks Darius Slay and James Bradberry have been dominant, each allowing opposing passer ratings of under 25.0. No team has been more balanced than the Eagles.

Hollywood is just getting rolling 🎞 pic.twitter.com/iMLGC3Iucj
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) October 6, 2022

The Cardinals offense hasn't been quite as consistent as the Eagles this season, but they share a lot in common. Quarterback Kyler Murray can hurt teams with his arm and his legs, and the team sports a deep group of skill position players that includes Pro Bowl running back James Connor, newly acquired wide receiver Marquise Brown, and former Eagles tight end Zach Ertz. Despite all the talent, the Cardinals have been a middling offense through four weeks, scoring the 14th-most points in the league. They could also be short some key pieces on the offensive line this Sunday.

As for the defense, the Cardinals don't have much to brag about. The pass defense has been abysmal, ranking 27th in net passing yards per attempt allowed and tallying an embarrassing four sacks in four games. The run defense has been better but still mediocre, ranking 15th in the rushing yards per attempt allowed. Overall, the unit has permitted the fifth-most points in the league and presents few reasons for optimism.

The Philadelphia Eagles visit the Arizona Cardinals this Sunday in Week 5.