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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Glenn Erby

Eagles-Cardinals: Who has the edge at each position?

The Eagles (4-0) and Cardinals (2-2) will meet on Sunday at State Farm Stadium in a matchup of two former Oklahoma quarterbacks.

Arizona is tied for first place in the division after posting comeback victories over their past two opponents.

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Philadelphia is emerging as a Super Bowl contender behind the dual-threat abilities of quarterback Jalen Hurts.

With kickoff fast approaching, here’s who has the edge at each position.

QB -- Even

Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

For Arizona, Kyler Murray has passed for 991 yards, five touchdowns, and two interceptions through the first four games of the 2022 season.

His counterpart Jalen Hurts is among the MVP favorites and has averaged 331.3 offensive (pass + rush) YPG in 2022 (2nd among QBs) behind Lamar Jackson.

Hurts is playing the better football, but both players are exceptional.

RB -- Eagles

Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

James Conner has 45 carries for 145 yards. Conner has also caught 13 passes for 95 yards in the passing game. Eno Benjamin is a talented reserve.

For Philadelphia, Miles Sanders is top three in yards this season, and his two backups are capable of logging 100-yard games.

WR -- Eagles

Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

With DeAndre Hopkins still serving his suspension, Philadelphia has the apparent advantage at wide receiver.

Marquise Brow has 30 receptions for 339 yards and two touchdowns on 45 targets.

Rondale Moore saw his first action of the season in Week 4 against the Carolina Panthers, and A.J. Green offers some production when healthy.

Philadelphia has a top-five wide receiver group in A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Quez Watkins, and Zach Pascal.

TE -- Eagles

Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Goedert ranks second in the NFL with 204 yards coming after the catch, and his average of 15 yards per catch is tied for most in the league among tight ends.

Ertz has been solid for the Cardinals with 22 catches for 181 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 8.2 yards per reception.

OL -- Eagles

(AP Photo/Matt Patterson)

Arizona will be missing Rodney Hudson, and two others are questionable. Even without Jordan Mailata, Philadelphia has the better unit.

DL -- Even

Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

J.J. Watt is still formidable for the Cardinals.

Zach Allen is a player to watch as the former 2019 third-round pick is turning into an integral piece of the Cardinals’ defense.

Against Carolina, Allen had six tackles, a sack, a tackle for loss, two quarterback hits, and three tipped passes at the line of scrimmage.

Defensive tackle Rashard Lawrence is questionable for this game. Leki Fotu becomes the man in the middle of the Cardinals’ 3-4 defense if he cannot go.

LB -- Eagles

Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Dennis Gardeck produces on defense and special teams.

In Week four, He led the team with three special teams tackles and added two tackles, a sack, and an interception.

Isaiah Simmons and Zaven Collins are young versatile defenders.

DB -- Eagles

(AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Even without Avonte Maddox, Philadelphia has two elite cornerbacks and a solid safety group.

Arizona will counter with Byron Murphy in the slot and a healthy Antonio Hamilton on the outside.

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