DAN BICKLEY

Cardinals’ win over Eagles offers real reasons for hope

Dec 20, 2020, 7:37 PM | Updated: 10:04 pm
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) scores a touchdown as Philadelphia Eagles defe...
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) scores a touchdown as Philadelphia Eagles defensive back Michael Jacquet (38) defends during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
(AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Eleven years ago, a home game against the Eagles made the Valley weep.

On Sunday, it made you believe.

A 33-26 victory guarantees nothing. But you could feel a temperature shift inside an empty State Farm Stadium. You could feel real desperation on Arizona’s sideline. You could sense how this nail-biting, cliff-dwelling afternoon featured the right mix of ingredients and stars.

Maybe even the beginning of a powerful trend.

“I thought we played hard, played physical, played to win,” Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury said.

The Cardinals made all sorts of mistakes on Sunday. They should’ve won this game by three touchdowns. They committed two costly turnovers in the red zone. But they still scored 33 points. The defense held the line, standing firm when necessary.

It wasn’t perfect. And that’s what makes it so exciting.

“Everybody understood what had to be done,” Cardinals linebacker Jordan Hicks said.

Eleven years ago, the Cardinals beat the Eagles in the NFC Championship game in Glendale, a day when disbelieving fans cried openly in the stands. It felt like a miracle.  In reality, it was just a flawed team with a great quarterback getting outlandish breaks and huge performances from its marquee players down the stretch. Sometimes, that’s all it takes in the NFL. And it can happen again.

So, in the context of what really matters, Sunday’s game offered real reasons for hope. If the Cardinals are going to stack wins in the upcoming postseason, they must have an identity. Something that can rise to the occasion. Something that represents their soul, their will and the hill they will die on. Sunday’s game was the blueprint:

They must be special and dynamic on offense. They must be competent and reliable in all others phases. With all due respect to Vance Joseph, this team is not going to win a Super Bowl with their defense. Not even with Dennis Gardeck looking like Pat Tillman reincarnated.

On Sunday, Arizona’s offense featured chunk plays, a touchdown catch from Larry Fitzgerald and an all-you-can-eat buffet from DeAndre Hopkins. It showcased Murray running the ball, throwing on the run and passing for over 400 yards. It featured Dan Arnold, 526 yards of total offense and a fourth-down pass completed by the punter.  Even if it nearly gave the head coach an ulcer.

Kingsbury’s offense has only flashed during his 30 games in the NFL. It hasn’t peaked. Until now?

Keep your fingers crossed.

“Every win is my favorite,” Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray said.

Sunday’s victory was essential for one final reason:

Both Hopkins and Fitzgerald produced highlight-reel touchdowns. Both occurred in traffic. Both required trust between quarterback and wide receiver. The game-winner to Hopkins was a masterpiece, illuminating a growing sense of camaraderie between the Cardinals’ most important players on offense.

When asked of his current comfort level with Hopkins, Murray said this:

“I like him versus anybody and I like me to put the ball where I need to be, so I guess 99.9 to 100%.”

When asked who had the better touchdown reception, Hopkins actually deferred to his veteran teammate.

“I’m going to go with Larry,” Hopkins said. “That dude like 10 years older than me.”

This should be an illuminating moment for everyone. If the Cardinals make the playoffs, it’s because they are peaking at the right time, because the offense is finding cruise altitude in December. Because Murray and Kingsbury finally learned to think playmakers and not plays in pivotal situations.

They learned to let their stars shine at a time when others tend to shrivel. They learned to feed Hopkins and Fitzgerald, filling the air with stardust and star power.

“Kobe Bryant wanted the ball in every clutch situation,” Hopkins said after the game. “That’s the kind of player I am.”

Case closed. Big-time players win big-time games. There is no easier path to glory in the NFL. It’s about time that lesson sticks in Arizona.

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) greets Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Greg Ward (84) after an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals won 33-26. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) 
              Arizona Cardinals linebacker Zeke Turner (47) blocks the punt of Philadelphia Eagles punter Cameron Johnston (1) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
            Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Leki Fotu (95) celebrates after an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals won 33-26. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals cornerback Byron Murphy (33), free safety Chris Banjo, right, break up a Philadelphia Eagles final pass attempt with no time on the clock during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals won 33-26. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) celebrates after an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals won 33-26. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, greets Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz after an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals won 33-26. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Arizona Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury, right, greets Philadelphia Eagles head coach Doug Pederson an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals won 33-26. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) The Philadelphia Eagles and the Arizona Cardinals compete during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Greg Ward (84) makes a catch as Arizona Cardinals cornerback Byron Murphy, right, defends during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury talks with quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Leki Fotu (95) celebrates a stop against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals linebacker Zeke Turner (47) celebrates his interception with linebacker Tanner Vallejo (51) as =p41= looks on during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) throws against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) runs after the catch as Philadelphia Eagles safety K'Von Wallace (42) pursues during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) pulls in a catch as Philadelphia Eagles defensive back Michael Jacquet (38) and cornerback Kevon Seymour (41) defend during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals linebacker Zeke Turner (47) celebrates his interception against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals linebacker Zeke Turner (47) celebrates his interception against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Philadelphia Eagles running back Boston Scott (35) is hit by Arizona Cardinals safety Charles Washington (28) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) dives for a touchdown as Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) defends during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) dives in to the end zone for a touchdown as Arizona Cardinals strong safety Budda Baker and cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) defend during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) scrambles against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) celebrates his touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jalen Reagor (18) eludes the grasp of Arizona Cardinals linebacker Dennis Gardeck during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) throws under pressure from Arizona Cardinals middle linebacker Jordan Hicks (58) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Philadelphia Eagles safety Marcus Epps (22) celebrates his interception against the Arizona Cardinals with teammates during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Arizona Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) scores a touchdown as Philadelphia Eagles defensive back Michael Jacquet (38) defends during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) is tackled by Philadelphia Eagles safety Marcus Epps (22) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) fumbles the ball as Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman (31) makes the recovery during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Philadelphia Eagles running back Miles Sanders (26) runs the ball as Arizona Cardinals outside linebacker De'Vondre Campbell (59) makes the tackle during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Arizona Cardinals linebacker Dennis Gardeck (45) celebrates his sack of Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Philadelphia Eagles running back Miles Sanders (26) is tackled by Arizona Cardinals' linebacker Markus Golden as outside linebacker De'Vondre Campbell (59) looks on during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals wide receiver KeeSean Johnson (19) pulls in a catch against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts walks to his sideline during the second half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) throws as Arizona Cardinals outside linebacker Haason Reddick (43) pursues during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Philadelphia Eagles safety Marcus Epps (22) intercepts a pass as Arizona Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) defends during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) The Philadelphia Eagles and the Arizona Cardinals compete during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) is hit by Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman (31) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald is tackled by Philadelphia Eagles strong safety Jalen Mills (21) and defensive end Genard Avery (58) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) pulls in a touchdown catch as Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman (31) defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Greg Ward (84) celebrates his touchdown catch against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals middle linebacker Jordan Hicks (58) celebrates a defensive stop against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Arizona Cardinals tight end Maxx Williams (87) avoids the tackle of Philadelphia Eagles strong safety Jalen Mills (21) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Quez Watkins (80) celebrates his touchdown with wide receiver Greg Ward (84) against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals linebacker Dennis Gardeck (45) sacks Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals linebacker Dennis Gardeck (45) sacks Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) takes the field during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) pulls in a catch as Philadelphia Eagles defensive back Michael Jacquet (38) and cornerback Kevon Seymour (41) defend during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) laughs as he greets Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman (31) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert (88) pulls in a pass as Arizona Cardinals outside linebacker De'Vondre Campbell (59) defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Arizona Cardinals linebacker Marcus Golden sacks Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, right, during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Quez Watkins (80) scores a touchdown as Arizona Cardinals free safety Chris Banjo (31) defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) DeAndre Hopkins #10 of the Arizona Cardinals makes a 35 yard reception during the second quarter against Kevon Seymour #41 of the Philadelphia Eagles at State Farm Stadium on December 20, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) scores a rushing touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Arizona Cardinals running back Chase Edmonds (29) scores a touchdown as Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Alex Singleton defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury celebrates a safety during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Derek Barnett (96) dives for a fumble by Arizona Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. The Eagles recovered the ball. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Marcus Epps #22 of the Philadelphia Eagles attempts to catch up to DeAndre Hopkins #10 of the Arizona Cardinals during the first quarter at State Farm Stadium on December 20, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) Arizona Cardinals fans watch during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) throws against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

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