Read the game reports from Sunday, December 31 in the NFL.
James Conner scored a two-yard touchdown with 32 seconds on the clock, quarterback Kyler Murray completed three touchdown passes, and the Arizona Cardinals erased a 15-point deficit to topple the Eagles of Philadelphia 35-31, Sunday.
In doing so, the Cardinals disrupted the Eagles’ path to the upcoming National Football League playoffs.
Jonathan Gannon, a former defensive coordinator with the Eagles, returned to Philadelphia and collected his most impressive victory as head coach of the Cardinals (4-12), although it is true that he did not there weren’t many.
However, this fourth loss for the Eagles in December, and their second at home, could cost them dearly even if they are already qualified for the playoffs.
The Eagles (11-5) could have won the National Association Eastern Division title with victories against the Cardinals and the New York Giants next week.
However, the Dallas Cowboys will be able to win the sectional title if they win in Washington next week. Also, the San Francisco 49ers are now assured of finishing at the top of the National Association standings and benefiting from a bye week.
Quarterback Jalen Hurts, who threw three touchdown passes, was the victim of an interception in the end zone in a last-ditch attempt to end the game.
The Cardinals overcame a 21-6 deficit after the first half thanks to two third-quarter touchdown passes from Murray that made it 21-21.
Hurts gave the Eagles the lead in the fourth quarter following a nine-yard touchdown pass to Dallas Goedert.
Normally, that should have been enough to ensure the Eagles a victory on their home field. But the Eagles defense failed to hold up.
Cornerback Kelee Ringo was fouled for pass interference, and those 29 additional yards helped the Cardinals tie the game, 28-28, with 5:26 remaining.
Murray connected with Michael Wilson for a five-yard touchdown, giving the Cardinals three majors in as many offensive series in the second half.
Jake Elliott gave the Eagles their last lead of the game with a 43-yard field goal with 2:33 left in the fourth quarter.
But Murray had enough time to put the Cardinals in position to score points. He completed a 36-yard pass to Greg Dorch that took the Cardinals to the Eagles’ five-yard line and set up Conner’s game-clinching touchdown.
Dan Gelston, Associated Press
2023-12-31 22:15:31
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