Arizona Cardinals: Week 3 Keys to Victory

The Arizona Cardinals have a chance to go 3-0 for the first time since 1974 when they take on the Philadelphia Eagles this Sunday at University of Phoenix Stadium. Here's a few thoughts on how the Cardinals can go about an improbable unbeaten record after the first three weeks of the season.

Take what the Eagles give you

The Eagles come into Sunday still having one of the better defenses in the league. Obviously, the Eagles are going to be all about pressuring Kevin Kolb and bracketing Larry Fitzgerald. The Cardinals should counter with effective short passes and screen plays to loosen the Eagles up.

At the same time, at some point this season Arizona is going to have to take shots down the field, regardless of the coverage on Fitzgerald. If Philadelphia is going to commit to stopping Arizona's run game, a five-yard pass is as good as an effective run.

Protect Kevin Kolb

While this should go without saying this also can't be emphasized enough. Despite the still-mixed feelings on Kolb, he remains our best chance to win, and the Eagles will undoubtedly come after him with everything they have.

The short passing game I referred to would help to counter the blitz. Kolb getting rid of the ball in time will go a long way to help the offensive line.

Make Vick pay

Michael Vick has nine turnovers in the first two weeks of the season and the Eagles remain 2-0. This means Arizona can not afford to leave plays on the field like they did against New England last week. Turnovers must turn into points; the kind that come in six preferably.

I smell a Patrick Peterson pick-six on Sunday.

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