A theme post the SB Nation NFL sites have been done in the past and will continue to do throughout this season is "Which [opposing team's] player would [your favorite team's] fans take?" With the Philadelphia Eagles set to play the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, it's time to address the question and familiarize yourself with the opponent's roster.
Offense
Carson Palmer is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL this season. Who saw that coming? The 35-year-old veteran ranks 12th in completion percentage, first in yards per attempt, second in touchdowns, and second overall in passer rating. Chip Kelly said Palmer should be in MVP conversation based on how well he's playing. Sam Bradford has played well recently, but he hasn't been nearly as good as Palmer. He's a top pick for the Eagles in this situation.
As far as non-quarterback options go, the wide receiver position obviously stands out. Larry Fitzgerald has been one of the best in the business for a long time. Fitzgerald has 96 receptions for 1,088 yards and seven touchdowns so far this year. Another reason why the Eagles should want him is because he always kills them. In seven career appearances against Philadelphia (including the playoffs), Fitzgerald has burned the Eagles for 802 yards and 11 touchdowns on 47 receptions. He's an Eagle killer.
Fitzgerald isn't the only dangerous weapon for Arizona. Second-year pass catcher John Brown is a deep threat, as the Eagles learned all too well last season. Brown burned the combination of Cary Williams and Nate Allen last season to help the Cardinals beat Philadelphia late in the game. The Eagles need a deep threat and Brown could really help out. Many will point out that the Eagles had a chance to take Brown in the 2014 NFL Draft but opted to choose Josh Huff instead.
Defense
The Cardinals aren't just stacked on offense. They have a lot of nice pieces on defense, too. Starting defensive end Calais Campbell has the size the Eagles love at 6-8, 300 pounds. The Eagles don't need help on the defensive line, but imagine a starting unit of Campbell, Bennie Logan, and Fletcher Cox. What a trio.
Arizona has some very good players in their secondary. Despite being a penalty magnet, Patrick Peterson is one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL (not to mention a dangerous returner as well). Opposing quarterbacks only have a mere 52.8 rating when targeting Peterson this season.
Another popular player is the Honey Badger: Tryann Mathieu. The third-year player has versatility: he can play on the outside, the slot, and safety. Mathieu is playmaker. He has four interceptions this season and a forced fumble. He might not have the size the Eagles like and he might not be a culture fit, but he's certainly good.
Coaching
The Eagles had a chance to hire Bruce Arians in the 2013 offseason but they opted to go with Kelly instead. Is that a move you wish the Eagles could do over? Would you rather have Arians given his success with Arizona?
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If you were the Eagles, who would you take?