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A tale of two birds: Arizona Cardinals-Philadelphia Eagles

By Mark A. Hernandez

GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 26: Center Lyle Sendlein #63 of the Arizona Cardinals prepares to snap the football against the Philadelphia Eagles during the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 26, 2014 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 26: Center Lyle Sendlein #63 of the Arizona Cardinals prepares to snap the football against the Philadelphia Eagles during the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 26, 2014 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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As the Arizona Cardinals prepare for the 3-1 Philadelphia Eagles, one question has come to mind: Are the Cardinals still playing in the NFC East?

It seems like (to me anyways) that the Cardinals and Eagles still face one another every year as they once did in the old NFC East.

The old rivalry will be renewed as the Cardinals will travel to Philadelphia and take on the high-flying Eagles this Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field. This will be the 9th meeting since the division realignment in 2002, and the 120th meeting overall between the two teams.

It’s a rivalry that dates back to the days of the Franklin D. Roosevelt administration. It was 1935, on Nov. 10 the first time these two teams met at Wrigley Field when the Cardinals were playing their football in Chicago. The Cardinals won 12-3.

Over the last 82 years, the two teams have had quite the battles — two of which were in the NFL Championship game (1947, 1948) that the teams split. The last time these two teams played in a playoff game, it was a memorable 2009 NFC Championship game. A win for the Cardinals en route to their first — and only — Super Bowl appearance. Neither team has yet to win a Super Bowl.

Overall, the Cardinals own the all-time record (including three playoff games) at 59-55-5, according to The Football Database.  They have also won 4 of the last 5 regular season match ups.

Larry The Eagle Killer

The nemesis, and probably most-hated player for Philly fans, is none other than Larry Fitzgerald.

The future Hall of Famer should have his own suite and numbered retired at Lincoln Financial Field, as history has shown that he completely owns the Eagles. Hyperbole aside, Fitz seems to always bring his best when he suits up to play the Eagles.

Having played 7 career games against Philly, Fitzgerald has amassed 41 catches, 693 yards and 8 TDs.

After pulling in the game-winning catch this past Sunday, and the offense still searching for answers up front, look for Fitzgerald to continue his dominance. With David Johnson down for the interim, the Cardinals will look to their veteran to carry this team moving forward.

Luckily for him, he’s facing a team he has brutalized his entire career.

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