Defense comes up big for Philadelphia Eagles in win over Arizona Cardinals

PHILADELPHIA -- Lost in the euphoria of the quick-strike offense was the ever-improving play of the Philadelphia Eagles' defense.

While Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer threw for 291 yards, a large chunk came well after the game had been decided in what wound up being a 34-7 Eagles win Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field. The Cardinals were limited to 307 total yards.

Keep in mind the Eagles were already playing without three crucial members of their defense -- defensive tackle Fletcher Cox, cornerback Ronald Darby and safety Jaylen Watkins.

The Eagles sacked Palmer twice while allowing a measly 31 yards rushing on 14 carries.

The strong defensive effort was a major point of emphasis all week and it has catapulted the Eagles to a 4-1 start this season.

There seems to be a collective calmness on the defensive side.

"I think it's the maturation of our team," Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins said. "I think it's some of the leaders that we have and we all have an idea of where we want to go as a team and four wins isn't it. So we have a lot more to accomplish and a lot more work to do. We know it's hard to win in this league and we enjoy every win we get.

"But at the end of the day, when you work really, really hard -- you've prepared -- we expect to win."

Even with players injured, the Eagles continue to work through it with results showing.

"I think it's trickling down on everybody, it's just a domino effect," said safety Rodney McLeod, who has battled through hamstring tightness the last couple of weeks.

Cornerback Patrick Robinson added, "It's been tough (with injuries), but with the guys on the field, we just do our job. There's no secret formula in my mind. If you just do the small things right, stuff like that happens."

All-Pro wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald had six catches for 51 yards, but had trouble finding open space in the secondary.

From start to finish, the Eagles were stingy.

"That's exactly the way we like it," Jenkins said. "We take so much pride in our preparation for each game. We have guys banged up, but this is the NFL and guys are going to be out. You have to play your hand and we came out aggressive in every way. We did a great job of not allowing them to get into any type of flow. I was really proud of the effort our guys gave."

So was their head coach.

"Really, outside of the one touchdown drive, our defense played lights out all day," Doug Pederson said.