We’re looking at an updated NFC playoff picture after the Philadelphia Eagles shocking 35-31 loss to Arizona Cardinals
The Eagles entered Sunday controlling their own destiny in the NFC, while still having opportunity to move up as far as No. 1 with help.
That plan was demolished, as Arizona upset Philadelphia 35-31 at Lincoln Financial Field, upending the NFC race, while sending Nick Sirianni’s team to the No. 5 seed, and a date on the road against the NFC South’s division winner.
With fans and pundits in shock, here’s an updated look at the NFC playoff picture.
We’re looking at the national reaction of the Philadelphia Eagles shocking 35-31 loss to the Arizona Cardinals at home in Week 17
In what can only be described as a shocking performance, the Eagles no longer control their destiny after a 35-31 loss to the Cardinals at home.
In Jonathan Gannon’s return to Philadelphia, Arizona rushed for 221 yards, with James Conner logging 26 physical carries for 128 yards and one touchdown.
The Cardinals’ win put the Cowboys in the No. 2 seed entering Week 18, and a victory over Washington would give Dallas the NFC East.
With the outcome now final, here’s the national reaction to the Eagles’ stunning collapse.
We’re looking at ten players to watch when the Philadelphia Eagles host the Arizona Cardinals in a Week 17 matchup at Lincoln Financial Field
The Eagles (11-4) are just three hours away from hosting the Cardinals (3-12) on Sunday afternoon at Lincoln Financial Field in an intriguing matchup that’ll see Jonathan Gannon return to Philadelphia for the first time since the Super Bowl 57 loss to Kansas City.
There are several vital storylines and matchups to watch, while the quarterback battle will feature two dual-threat stars in Jalen Hurts and Kyler Murray.
With pregame warmups set to begin, we’re looking at ten players to watch on both team.
The Philadelphia Eagles activated cornerback Avonte Maddox ahead of the Week 17 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals
The Eagles are getting healthier and one of their most important defenders is returning to the lineup, as Avonte Maddox has been activated from injured reserve.
We've activated CB Avonte Maddox from Injured Reserve, elevated LB Brandon Smith from the practice squad for tomorrow's game, and placed TE Albert Okwuegbunam on Injured Reserve. pic.twitter.com/6u6O66QqfJ
Philadelphia elevated linebacker Brandon Smith from the practice squad for tomorrow’s game, and placed tight end Albert Okwuegbunam on Injured Reserve.
Last season, Maddox had 43 tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack, three passes defended and one interception.
Selected in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL draft, Maddox has played six seasons for the Eagles, amassing 188 solo tackles, 58 assists, 3.0 sacks, one fumble recovery, and four interceptions.
We’re looking at 3 keys for the Philadelphia Eagles offense vs. Arizona Cardinals defense in Week 17
The Eagles (11-4) host the Cardinals (3-12) on Sunday afternoon at Lincoln Financial Field in an intriguing matchup that’ll see Jonathan Gannon return to Philadelphia for the first time since the Super Bowl 57 loss to Kansas City.
There are several vital storylines and matchups to watch, while the quarterback battle will feature two dual-threat stars in Jalen Hurts and Kyler Murray.
With kickoff less than 24 hours away, here are three keys for the Eagles offense against the Cardinal’s defense.
Dennis Gardeck, Ezekiel Turner and Trent Sherfield, all key special teams players, will be restricted free agents next month.
The Arizona Cardinals have three players who will be restricted free agents next month — linebackers Dennis Gardeck and Ezekiel Turner and receiver Trent Sherfield.
All three made the team as undrafted rookies in 2018 and have been great special teams players in their first three seasons.
Because they are restricted free agents, the Cardinals can elect to control their destiny with a qualifying tender.
By tendering the players, the players can negotiate with other teams but the Cardinals will have the opportunity to match the offer. Depending on the tender, if the Cardinals elect not to match the offer, they can get draft compensation.
According to Over the Cap estimations, placing a first-round tender will pay the player more than $4.7 million and, if a team tries to sign him and the Cardinals refuse, the team that signs him will have to give up a first-round pick. A second-round tender would pay the player nearly $3.8 million and a team signing him would have to give the Cardinals their second-round pick if they chose not to match the offer.
An original-round tender will pay the player more than $2.1 million and the team would give up a draft pick from the round the player was selected originally. That will not apply to any of these players because they were undrafted free agents when they entered the league.
Should the Cardinals use these tenders on Gardeck, Turner and Sherfield like they did last year with kicker Zane Gonzalez?
Their kickers, punter and seven of their top special teams players are all scheduled to be free agents this offseason.
The Arizona Cardinals have had stability in their special teams unit over the last couple of seasons. That could change this offseason.
Almost all their top special teams players are free agents.
Kicker Zane Gonzalez and punter Andy Lee are scheduled to be free agents. There is question as to whether the Cardinals want Gonzalez back, but his late-season replacement, Mike Nugent, is also a free agent.
Trent Sherfield, Dennis Gardeck, Ezekiel Turner, Chris Banjo, D.J. Foster and Charles Washington, all of whom have been core special teams in almost all their special teams units, are all scheduled to hit free agency.
Sherfield, Gardeck and Turner are restricted free agents. Gardeck is also recovering from a torn ACL.
If you also add Tanner Vallejo, who also will be a free agent, all their field goals, punts and 67 of their special teams tackles this season are all going to be free agents.
Aside from Gonzalez’ struggles last year in the kicking game, special teams has been pretty strong. That might change if they lose too many of these key contributors this offseason.
