3 Eagles on Thin Ice After Disastrous Loss to Cardinals in Week 17
By Jovan Alford
The Philadelphia Eagles had a chance to put themselves in the driver’s seat to win the NFC East for the second straight year last week. All the Eagles had to do was defeat the Arizona Cardinals and then the New York Giants in Week 18.
However, Philadelphia had other plans, which included blowing a 15-point halftime lead and losing 35-31 to the Cardinals. It was a horrible loss to a Cardinals team that is playing better with Kyler Murray but has their eyes set on a top-3 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
With the loss, the Eagles are now longshots to win the division, as they have to win on Sunday against the Giants and hope for the Dallas Cowboys to lose to the Washington Commanders.
Before we look ahead to the regular season finale, I’ll discuss three Eagles who are on thin ice after another frustrating loss.
3 Eagles on Thin Ice After Week 17 Loss vs. Cardinals
1. Matt Patricia, Senior Defensive Assistant
The Eagles’ defense got absolutely destroyed at the point of attack last week as the Cardinals’ offensive line imposed its will and controlled the line of scrimmage. Philadelphia’s defense gave up a season-high 221 rushing yards, including 128 from Cardinals running back James Conner.
Philadelphia’s defense also allowed 32 first downs and recorded one sack, which is puzzling, considering the players on the defensive line.
Then, to make matters worse, there was a ton of confusion on the field with the linebackers, and Haason Reddick was standing up in pass coverage. According to Brooks Kubena of The Athletic, Kyler Murray was 9-of-9 for 59 yards and a touchdown in nine plays when Reddick, Brandon Graham, or Nolan Smith dropped back into coverage.
In the 9 plays Haason Reddick, Nolan Smith & Brandon Graham dropped in coverage...
— Brooks Kubena (@BKubena) January 2, 2024
Kyler Murray: 9/9, 59 yards, TD (per TruMedia)
Matt Patricia: "When you're trying to stop the run and they have a balanced offense from that aspect of it, you're caught in between."
Simply put, it was not Matt Patricia’s best work who took over the defensive play calling duties from defensive coordinator Sean Desai before the Eagles’ Week 15 matchup against Seattle.
Since taking over Desai, the Eagles’ defense has allowed 346 total yards per game and only produced two takeaways. It was going to be tough for Patricia to turn this defense around late in the season, but things must improve quickly this week against the Giants.
Patricia isn't the only member of the defense on thin ice after Week 17, but make sure to check out FanDuel Sportsbook where fans can bet on the Eagles to defeat the Giants on Sunday. Deposit at least $10 and bet $5 or more on the Eagles to win and you'll get $150 in bonus bets if they do.