The Eagles return home to the Linc this Sunday to take on the Arizona Cardinals. Sunday's game airs on FOX at 1 p.m. with Chris Myers, Daryl Johnston, and Laura Okmin on the call. You can also listen to Merrill Reese and Mike Quick on SportsRadio 94WIP or on PhiladelphiaEagles.com. Our live coverage begins with The Kickoff Show presented by Axalta at 12:30 p.m.
In this week's Behind Enemy Lines, Darren Urban from AZCardinals.com previews the matchup from Arizona's perspective. He is in his 18th season covering the team and can be found on Twitter @cardschatter.*
1. How has David Johnson's absence impacted Carson Palmer?
Darren Urban: David Johnson's absence has impacted everything on the offense, not just Carson Palmer. That's what happens when you lose your best offensive player, a player around whom the offense was built. When Johnson was in there, there was much more of a threat in the running game – even with offensive line questions. Now defenses can think to key on the pass first. On a team with offensive line issues, that does not help a quarterback.
2. Will Larry Fitzgerald ever slow down?
Darren Urban: Maybe not, although I do believe this is what Fitz wants – he has no desire to be "retired" but instead to be playing at a high level whenever he does walk away. Obviously, it keeps you guessing whenever the end might come. He was spectacular in the loss to Dallas, and while he was mostly quiet last week, he clearly saved his best for the very last. He also seems to flourish against the Eagles, so that'll make for an interesting storyline Sunday.
3. What does Markus Golden's injury mean for the defense?
Darren Urban: Tangibly, it takes away their leading sack guy from last year. Intangibly, it takes away their best "motor" guy, who would get in guys' faces, who would never admit defeat. Chandler Jones is the athletic, natural pass rusher. Golden was the effort guy who just fired up his teammates. He was an emotional bellwether, and it is something the Cardinals will have to account for going forward.
4. Who's an X-factor on offense and defense for Sunday's game?
Darren Urban: Offensively, I'm going to say guard Evan Boehm. He has struggled this season, his first as a starter, and the Cards have to find a way to do better in that area. On defense, I'm going to say Haason Reddick because he will be trying to fill the pass rush part of Golden's role, and the Cards will need him to aid Jones.
