Cardinals news and notes following win

The Cardinals started off their three game road trip in fine fashion, extending the Eagles woes on Sunday by scoring 14 points in the fourth quarter to escape Lincoln Financial Field with a 21-17 victory. 

Arizona has won two straight following a six-game losing streak. 

Back-up quarterback John Skelton is in a similar situation that Kevin Kolb was in coming into this season. Sunday’s game in Philadelphia was his sixth NFL start. Kolb had seven starts prior to joining the Cardinals. Both have major question marks surrounding them and their play on the field. Considering the situation Skelton has been tossed into, he’s played very well. 

Head coach Ken Whisenhunt spoke to reporters on Monday regarding Kolb’s physical status. 

“We’re still assessing Kevin to see where he is with his toe and his foot, and see how far along he’s progressed with that,” Whisenhunt said. 

As far as any quarterback controversy goes, Whisenhunt said there is none. 

“There’s really nothing to discuss right now,” Whisenhunt said. “Kevin hasn’t been cleared to practice yet. He hasn’t practiced in two weeks. We can’t even assess where he is.” 

Skelton had an up-and-down performance against the Eagles, but delivered when it counted. He was 21-of-40 for 315 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. He shook off an early pick-six by Eagles cornerback Asante Samuel, settled in and took his team on an 11-play, 87-yard game-winning drive late in the fourth quarter. 

“He [Skelton] is what we expected him to be,” Whisenhunt said. “I think he’s getting a little bit more comfortable with the offense and his reads.” 

The Eagles offense, which averaged well over 400 yards a game, was held in check. They ended up with 289 yards for the game. Eagles quarterback Michael Vick had a below-average game, going just 16-of-34 for 128 yards, two interceptions and zero touchdowns. He added 79 yards rushing on eight carries.

Whisenhunt talked about what the defense did to bottle up Vick on Sunday. 

“I remember a couple hits on him in the game,” Whisenhunt said. “Whenever we had a chance to get him tackled, you knew you had to do that.” 

Linebacker Daryl Washington led the team in tackles with nine, including a sack. Whisenhunt was pleased with his performance for the most part. 

“I think Daryl is a good young player that’s getting better,” Whisenhunt said. “It’s exciting to see young players, especially ones like Daryl starting to make those plays show up on the field.” 

The Cardinals will have another tough assignment this Sunday in San Francisco. The 49ers are 8-1, following a hard fought 27-20 win over the Giants on Sunday. 

“They’re a good football team,” Whisenhunt said. “It’s a division game. It’s a chance for us to go in there and see what we can do. How can you not be excited about it?”