A glance at five top storylines for the Cardinals-Eagles game Sunday at University of Phoenix Stadium.:
Shading toward McCoy
Eagles running back LeSean McCoy hasn't played nearly as well has he did a season ago. There are multiple reasons for that. Teams have learned to deal with the Philly offense better. The Eagles' offensive line has been wrecked by injuries. Quarterback Nick Foles isn't as efficient. But McCoy remains arguably the most dangerous running back in the NFL, and now he sees the NFL's top-ranked run defense. Something has to give. The Cardinals are hoping it isn't them.
This time, don't count on the rally
The game in Philadelphia was close a season ago. The Eagles won 24-21, and the Cardinals had the ball late in the game with at least a chance to tie. The problem was that the Cardinals fell behind, 24-7, a hole that proved too deep to escape. Playing at home can help such a predicament, but the Cards cannot fall way behind. It's easy to do given the speed at which Philly can score, and the Eagles do have a way of letting teams get back into games when they have control. The Cardinals don't want to go down that road, though.
Make it special, or else
The Cardinals have been playing better on special teams. Chandler Catanzaro has been a find as a kicker for both field goals (15 for 15) and kickoffs. The coverage teams have been solid of late. Bruce Arians said he's happy with the job Ted Ginn has done as a return man. New punter Drew Butler has settled in. But the Eagles have been excellent on special teams, and that's a part of the game that could change the outcome. If Darren Sproles is hurting still and unable to play, that puts a dent in Philly's return game. But they can rush the punter, and change the game.
Images from past games between the Cardinals and this week's opponent, the Eagles
1948: Eagles RB Steven Van Buren runs with LB Corwin Clatt in pursuit
1959: RB Ken Hall is tackled by Philadelphia's Tom Brookshier
1962: The Cardinals and Eagles leave the game together
1970: RB Cid Edwards scores a touchdown
1971: John Roland tries to escape from the Eagles' Leroy Keyes
1980: The Eagles' Wilbert Montgomery carries the ball as Carl Allen goes for the tackle
1984: Cardinals QB Neil Lomax
1987: Eagles QB Randall Cunningham is sacked by Freddie Joe Nunn
1988: Eagles DE Reggie White recovers a fumble
1995: Coach Buddy Ryan is agitated after an interception
1995: Philadelphia's Derrick Witherspoon returns a kickoff for a touchdown
1996: Eagles WR Irving Fryar catches a pass
1999: QB Jake Plummer has his jersey grabbed by William Thomas
1999: Cardinals coach Vince Tobin
2000: Eagles RB Darnell Autry dives for a touchdown
2000: CB Aeneas Williams with Eagles QB Donovan McNabb
2005: WR Anquan Boldin goes up for a touchdown reception
2005: LB Chike Okeafor sacks Eagles QB Mike McMahon
2005: DT Darnell Dockett against Eagles OL Jon Runyan
2005: WR Larry Fitzgerald walks to the field
2008: WR Larry Fitzgerald catches a pass
2009: S Adrian Wilson celebrates a sack in the NFC championship game
2009: DT Darnell Dockett grabs onto Eagles QB Donovan McNabb
2009: DE Calais Campbell celebrates the win over the Eagles to make the Super Bowl
2009: Coach Ken Whisenhunt is doused in Gatorade after the victory
2011: QB John Skelton throws a pass
2011: RB Beanie Wells
2012: WR Larry Fitzgerald
2012: P Dave Zastudil gets a punt off as Philadelphia's Trent Cole goes for the block
2013: Eagles QB Nick Foles tries to escape the grasp of LB Matt Shaughnessy
2013: CB Patrick Peterson defends Eagles WR DeSean Jackson
2002: WR Jason McAddley dives for a pass as Eagles CB Al Harris pursues
Andre the giant
It could have been a watershed kind of game for running back Andre Ellington in Oakland. A career-high 30 touches – 24 carries and six catches. A total of 160 yards rushing and receiving. He was truly the backbone of the offense. Not that it is simple against the Eagles, who have a good defense. But one key part of last year's loss in Philly for the Cards – Ellington did not play. It was the one game Ellington missed, after hurting his knee during Thanksgiving practice. He's a component this offense needs. And with he and QB Carson Palmer only getting healthier, perhaps this is a week the unit can really start scoring like the Cardinals would like.
Turnovers can turn this thing
The Cardinals are winning because they aren't turning the ball over, forging a plus-7 in the turnover ratio thus far. The Eagles are winning in spite of being a minus-5. Philadelphia is playing a dangerous game, one that usually doesn't play out the right way on the scoreboard. If the Cardinals are smart, and can make sure they don't have giveaways, the Eagles figure to turn it over once or twice – and that could be enough playing at home.
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