Arizona Lit Philly Up

I mentioned last week that Arizona hadn't won a game by more than a touchdown in over a year. Scratch that, because they kicked the Eagles' butts 27-6. The offense didn't do a lot in the second half, besides getting some good running out of Ryan Williams, but it didn't matter. The defense beat the hell out of Vick, sacking him 5 times, hitting him about 8 more times, forcing two fumbles, both of which the Cardinals recovered. The Cards' special teams also recovered a fumble, and Arizona avoided any giveaways of their own. I would also like to thank Andy Reid for once again not using Lesean McCoy more. He had 70 yards on just 13 carries. I know it isn't surprising for Andy Reid to do that, and the Cardinals were up by quite a bit, but still. McCoy was getting plenty of yards, as usually, and Reid simply refuses to give him the ball more.

Thank goodness Andy Reid's a moron, or the rest of the NFL might be in trouble.

Kolb had a solid game. It's nothing spectacular, but 17 of 27 for 222 yards and 2 TDs is his best game so far this season. The running game averaged less than 3 yards per carry, but they did run the ball 34 times, which is that solid commitment to the run I keep hoping to see. Larry Fitzgerald got involved this week, catching all 9 of the passes directed towards him for over 100 yards.

The defense, though, was the big story again. Kerry Rhodes made a big hit on Vick right before the end of the first half, knocking the ball loose, which James Sanders scooped up and returned 93 yards for a touchdown. That was key, since Philly was about to score at least a field goal, if not a touchdown of their own. 24-0 is a much safer halftime lead than 17-7 or 17-3.

Now Arizona is in sole possession of first in the NFC West, which is unexpected to say the least. Downside, 6 of their next 9 games are on the road, but they at least get to start with Miami, which shouldn't be the toughest challenge. Which makes me all the more nervous.