Zach Allen says Cardinals must keep Eagles from running wild
Oct 9, 2022, 9:13 AM
Defensive end Zach Allen #94 of the Arizona Cardinals lines up during the NFL game against the Philadelphia Eagles at State Farm Stadium on December 20, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Eagles 33-26. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Zach Allen isn’t surprised the Philadelphia Eagles will enter Sunday’s game at State Farm Stadium without a loss after four games.
“They’re great at every level,” Allen told Big Red Rage on Thursday.
“They really don’t have a weakness. Their offensive line is probably as good as it gets in the NFL, if not the best, and then the skill positions, they’ve invested a lot in great running backs and great wide receivers, and then obviously Jalen Hurts can do it all. I think he’s really a superstar in the making. It’s definitely going to be a challenge, but we’re really excited for it. It’s fun to play against the best and right now they are the best, they’re undefeated.”
The Cardinals will be focused on keeping the Eagles from rushing the ball effectively.
Philadelphia entered Sunday with the most touchdown runs and third-most first down rushes in the NFL.
“It’s kind of the story of every game,” Allen said. “If you stop the run, that definitely gives you a shot. I think they ran it 50 times last week and I think they did a really good job with it. So, if you don’t stop it, they’re just going to keep on going and going and going.”
RELATED STORIES
Stopping the run will be tough considering Philadelphia boasts a talented offensive line led by center Jason Kelce.
“They execute so well,” Allen said. “… They’re big and physical and they play with great technique … If you look at the weights and sizes of them, they’re huge. To have that size, but to be as athletic as they are, will definitely be a challenge for us.”
Allen is coming off an impressive performance last week in Arizona’s 26-16 victory at the Carolina Panthers.
He had one sack, two quarterback hits and three passes defensed, plus six tackles, including one for loss.
The fourth-year pro is making an impact but wants to be more consistent.
“Last year it felt like I was playing a lot flat-footed,” Allen said. “This year, it’s just definitely trying to get upfield and get in the backfield on every snap and be disruptive. That obviously has been good. I just want to be more consistent with stuff like that. I think there’s been flashes, we kind of talk in the room that we’ve shown flashes through four weeks, but we haven’t kind of put together a complete game.”
