Eagles-Cardinals: Brian Dawkins and Eagles Look To End Skid on Thanksgiving

Usually the title would read, "McNabb," instead of "Dawkins and Eagles." That title is usually reserved for the leader, the head of the pack, the alpha dog, and McNabb has yet to assert himself as the leader of this franchise, which is why Dawk is the man here.

But enough about the silly title, let's get down to business, shall we?

We the fans may know the Eagles season is mostly over and they are bound for last place in the division barring a 2006-esque run.

But who's to say the team should give up?

The Eagles will battle for their playoff lives this Thanksgiving as the Arizona Cardinals, led by their dominant air attack, make their way into the Linc.

Arizona is coming off of a disappointing eight-point loss to the Giants last Sunday, and have struggled over the past three weeks.

Kurt Warner may be in line for his third career MVP award, as he's resurrected his career in the desert. Thus far in 2008, Warner has thrown for 3,506 yards to go along with his 21 touchdowns to just eight interceptions.

Warner has also had the benefit of what has been the best one-two receiver punch in the NFL this year, with both Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin having outstanding 2008 campaigns. Fitz and Quan have combined for 1,889 yards and an astonishing 17 touchdowns through only 11 games.

Not only have Boldin and Fitzgerald remained hot, they've opened the door for Steve Breaston to have his breakout year. Breaston has added 54 receptions and 728 yards with one touchdown this year. Breaston's speed is a great transition for Arizona, they can beat you deep with Breaston and physically pound you with Boldin and Fitz.

The Cardinals have been having success on offense without any help on the ground. Rookie Tim Hightower has had some good moments this year but has struggled for the most part. Once-starter Edgerrin James has seen scarce playing time since being benched half way through the year.

Arizona's front line has been so-so for the better part of the year giving up a total of 19 sacks through their 11 games. Most of that has been due to Warner's habit of holding on to the ball forever in the pocket. If Warner continues that trend on Thursday, he will be in for a long and bruising game.

The Cardinal defense, on the other hand, unlike the offense has had a Jekyll-and-Hyde season. They've had their games where they look to have finally diagnosed their problem, but then they take two steps backwards.

They've struggled stopping the pass this year and they can look forward to seeing a lot of passing from the Eagles on Thursday. Their secondary doesn't force many turnovers and is prone to the what the Eagles' offense thrives off of: THE BIG PLAY.

Stopping the run has surprisingly been a strength for the Cards' so far; they're ranked eighth in the league, giving up only 89.5 yards per game. Up front they are led by defensive tackle Darnell Dockett. Dockett has been banged up a bit this year but has still had a strong season.

In the secondary, they are led by safety Adrian Wilson. Wilson covers like a corner, has the speed of a receiver, and hits like a linebacker. Remind you of anyone Eagles fans? Wilson has a nose for the ball; so if McNabb continues his struggles, look for Wilson to pounce.

The player who has really stepped up in 2008 for the defense has been Karlos Dansby. Dansby is on pace for a career season with 79 total tackles to go along with his three sacks and two interceptions. Dansby has led the charge in reviving the Arizona rush defense.

Now to the struggling Eagles.

Just to put something out there, I was too angry to sit down and write an article on that debacle on Sunday; that's it for that issue.

Philly will be fighting for their mathematical lives on Thursday. A win and their statistically still alive, a loss and it's over.

The Eagles offense will need heavy contributions from all over the place to climb out of this three-game hole in the NFC East. Brian Westbrook needs to either get healthy or sit and let Correll Buckhalter take the load.

Donovan McNabb needs to thank Andy Reid for mercifully giving him this chance to revive the Eagles season. His play following the bye has deteriorated week by week, and he's carelessly and uncharacteristically turned the ball over numerous times.

McNabb isn't the only one at fault in this ugly mess. The receivers inability to hold on to the ball has contributed to his struggles. Mainly Kevin Curtis, Reggie Brown, Brent Celek, and L.J. Smith have forgotten to bring their hands to the games. For the third consecutive season, Eagles receivers lead the league in dropped passes.

I made a point on this earlier and now I'll elaborate. The Eagles ground game has struggled heavily in past weeks, some of it's due to play calling and some of it's due to execution. Many people have placed the blame on the offensive line, but I don't see it that way.

It seems as if when Correll Buckhalter actually gets his hands on the ball, he is making a play. When Westbrook carries the ball, he runs for a few yards and slides to the turf. Clearly Westbrook is in a significant amount of pain, GET OFF THE FIELD AND LET SOMEONE WHO CAN MAKE AN IMPACT PLAY.

I love Westbrook, but he is just too timid and indecisive in the backfield right now. Buck hits the hole with authority and Brian dilly-dallys and dances while gaining minimal yards.

The defense has been its usually-strong self, but their efforts have gone unnoticed in prior weeks due to the inept play by the offense.

The defense can only do so much; when they give you an opportunity, you need to capitalize. The offense has failed for two straight weeks and the defense has to suffer.

On the ground, the Eagles have once again been inconsistent but they have come up with stops when needed.

When it comes to stopping the pass, the Eagles improve just about every week.

The secondary will be in for their biggest test of the year this week with the Cardinals coming into town. They could be without a key player for that game, Asante Samuel missed practice today with a stinger suffered in the loss to the Ravens.

Lito Sheppard could start in his place, which doesn't bode well. Sheppard has been burned numerous times for big plays this year and looks utterly dead on the field. He plays with no intensity and is constantly caught peeking in the backfield or giving up on a play.

I'll save the rest of my Lito rant for another time.

Thursday's game is a very tough one to pick; both teams have a lot riding on it and both are coming off disappointing defeats. I'll go out on a limb in this one.

PREDICTION: EAGLES 27, CARDINALS 21