The Cardinals are set to embark on a mission that would place them in undocumented territory. If they win today against the Philadelphia Eagles, they will have their first 3-0 start since moving to Arizona from St. Louis. This task will be difficult, but it is one that is highly manageable given how the team has performed thus far.
The headlines are abundant as the Eagles look to gain revenge after the Cardinals beat them on their home turf last season. After the jump, take a look at what I will be watching for and feel free to weigh in with your comments as well.
I will be looking, first and foremost, at how the defense decides to play Michael Vick and the Eagles. Last week, defensive coordinator Ray Horton had the team in the nickel formation throughout most of the game, leaving nose tackle Dan Williams out of the loop. The Cardinals cannot afford to do that with a dominant runner like LeSean McCoy in the Eagles' backfield. They must also contain Vick on the edges all while getting pressure on him. A tough task indeed.
How will Kevin Kolb perform against his former team? This is the first time Kolb will have played the Eagles since being traded to Arizona before the 2011 season. He was unable to get his chance last year due to injury, but will look to show his former 'mates that he is the real deal.
The running game for the Cardinals need to pick up the slack. Through two games this season, Ryan Williams has rushed 18 times for 22 yards. Beanie Wells, his more experienced counterpart, has carried the ball 21 times for 58 yards. Neither of these players have stood out and that will need to change if the Cards want to continue winning.
Lastly, can the Cardinals get Larry Fitzgerald the ball? The All-Pro receiver only had one catch last week and will hopefully make more of an impact today. Unfortunately, he is being guarded by a fellow Pro Bowler in Nnamdi Asomugha. The team is trying to do everything they can to get him open, but they need to do more. He is too valuable of a playmaker to not be getting more touches.
What things will you be looking out for? Tell us in the comments section below.
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