Quick Scouting Report: Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals sounded like one of the easier games on the slate when the schedules were first released. After a win over the New England Patriots, the Cards are getting some national attention. Their defense looks aggressive and fast and their offense has taken care of the ball thus far. Plus, Arizona has a raucous stadium that makes it tough on opposing quarterbacks.

Later in the week, I will have a full scouting report on the Week 3 matchup of unbeatens. Here's a quick look after watching their game against the Patriots on NFL Game Rewind:

Arizona Offense:

- With Kevin Kolb leading the Cards offense, Head Coach Ken Whisenhunt finds creative ways to gain yards. The Eagles have a very aggressive defensive line and the screen pass could be a big-gainer for the Arizona offense. They will even try some Wildcat package with Patrick Peterson at QB, this worked for a very nice run against the Patriots defense on Sunday.

Jenkins and the rest of the D-Line
can collapse the pocket on Kolb.

- Whisenhunt knows that the way to succeed with Kolb is with quick, safe passes. Three and five-step drops will lower sack totals, but that doesn't mean the Eagles D-line won't disrupt his rhythm.

- When Kolb senses pressure, he bails out of the pocket. He might lead the team in rushing yards against the Eagles, especially with Beanie Wells and Ryan Williams struggling to establish themselves.

- Fletcher Cox, Derek Landri, Cullen Jenkins, and Cedric Thorton can make Kolb's life hell. If they eliminate Kolb's space to step up and deliver the football, it's going to be a long day for the AZ offense.

Arizona Defense:

Campbell's enormous size could be a
factor in the Eagles passing game.

- DE Calais Campbell is 6'8" and long. Vick stands at only 6'0", there could be a lot of tipped passes in this game, which could mean chances for interceptions. That is something to watch for on Sunday.

- Arizona's defensive coordinator, Ray Horton, is from Pittsburgh. He's going to bring many of those zone-blitz concepts against Vick. Vick didn't face much pressure against Baltimore. They blitzed him 9 times and he went 5-7 for 82 yards and 0 INTs but was sacked twice. Can Vick deliver another solid performance against extra pressure?

- The middle of the Cardinals defense is their strength. Outside runs will probably be more relied on by Marty Mornhinweg to get the run game started.

- Arizona has a very aggressive defense, so watch out for cutbacks from Shady if they over-pursue.


Philadelphia Eagles (2-0) at Arizona Cardinals (2-0) 4:05 pm ET on FOX

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