NFL Week 17 Takeaways: Updated Playoff Standings, Biggest Storylines for Every Team | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors

Kyler Murray Is Still a Viable Franchise Quarterback

At 4-12, the Arizona Cardinals may finish with a top-five draft pick and have a chance to take a top-tier quarterback prospect, though Kyler Murray gave the team's brain trust something to think about when it assesses the position.

On Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles, Murray had his best outing of the 2023 campaign, throwing for 232 yards, three touchdowns and one interception.

Sure, Murray put together a solid performance against the Eagles' subpar defense, but he did it without lead wide receiver Marquise Brown (heel). Murray spread the ball around to Greg Dortch, rookie Michael Wilson, second-year tight end Trey McBride and Rondale Moore.

If the Cardinals draft Ohio State's Marvin Harrison Jr., the tandem could quickly become an eclectic quarterback-wide receiver duo for the long-term future.

Against the Eagles, Murray made the case that he can elevate the talent around him as a franchise player.

Eagles' Defensive Woes Will Doom Them in the Postseason

Overall, the Eagles haven't played well in December, finishing the month with a 1-4 record, and their defense has struggled for most of the season.

For the 2022 campaign, the Eagles defense ranked eighth and second in points and yards allowed, respectively. It dropped to 25th and 20th in those corresponding categories through 16 weeks this season.

Keep in mind that Philadelphia lost its defensive coordinator, Jonathan Gannon, who's now Arizona's head coach. A couple of weeks ago, Matt Patricia took over defensive play-calling duties for Sean Desai, which suggests the team recognized a significant issue on that side of the ball.

On Sunday, without starting cornerback Darius Slay, the Eagles defensive unit gave up 29 points in the second half as the team squandered a 15-point lead.

The Eagles have the offensive firepower to score in flurries, but they haven't shown the consistency to win scoring shootouts.

Philadelphia has already locked up a playoff spot, but its loss to Arizona opens the door for the Dallas Cowboys to win the NFC East title, which means the Eagles may have to take their porous defense and unbalanced offense on the road. To make matters worse, wide receiver DeVonta Smith left Lincoln Financial Field on crutches.

The Eagles look like a team that's primed for a wild-card playoff exit.