Cardinals vs. Eagles: 4 2nd-Half Keys to Victory for Arizona

Arizona came into Philly flying high after its exciting OT win over the Rams, confident that they would be able to slow down a DeSean Jackson-less Eagles offense.  

The Cardinals have held their own, but what do they need to do to bring home the W? Here are four keys to victory: 

1. Special Teams, Anyone?

We knew coming into this game that Arizona's inexperience under center wouldn't produce a ton of offense, but the value of John Skelton lies in his ability to avoid mistakes long enough to make scoring chances available.  Unfortunately, thanks to A.J. Feely, the Cardinals having nothing to show for it.  If they want to win this game, Feely will need to capitalize on his chances.  Although this seems obvious, sometimes all a kicker needs is a halftime reboot and an quick opportunity coming out of the locker room to regain his confidence.

2. Keep Targeting Larry Fitzgerald

As Kevin Kolb has struggled, John Skelton has developed into a bizarre cult idol in Arizona.  Far from a savior, however, Skelton has more often resembled the poet who served Henry VIII than an NFL starting quarterback.  For a guy like him, it's often necessary to rely on a crutch—and there may not be a better man for the job than Larry Fitzgerald.  Ever since Fitz lost Kurt Warner as a signal-caller, he hasn't resembled the star that took the league by storm early in his career.  But the Skelton-Fitzgerald hookup gives Arizona the best shot at coming away with victory.  

3. Make Vick Beat You with His Arm

Throughout the first half, Michael Vick was consistently a little off with his passes.  Perhaps Philly felt they would be able to catch the Cardinals' secondary unawares with a steady diet of the air game, but Arizona has more than been up to the challenge.  

Vick looked a little shaken after losing Jeremy Maclin on an errant throw, and the Cards need to take advantage of this blow to his confidence.  The Eagles may turn to the reliable McCoy to get the offense rolling in the second half, but if Arizona can seal up the running lanes, an unbalanced Vick will be forced to return to the air.

4. Watch the Vick Running Game

Whenever Vick struggles to make throws, his legs serve as a reliable secondary option.  The Cardinals need to think one step ahead of the Eagles here, and prepare for the eventuality of Vick looking to run with the football.  His explosiveness is no secret to anybody in the NFL, so Arizona would look mighty foolish if they prove unable to stop this predictable course of action.