Eagles Get Seven Turnovers to Turn Around Cardinals

This time, the Philadelphia Eagles had the defense--the best in the league.

The Eagles reversed a defeat to Phoenix earlier in the season with three fumble recoveries, four interceptions and four sacks Sunday in a 34-14 victory over the Cardinals.

“We go into the game knowing that defense will win the game,” said linebacker Seth Joyner, who returned a fumble 34 yards for a touchdown and sacked Stan Gelbaugh in the first quarter, ripping the ball loose for Clyde Simmons to recover in the end zone.

Joyner also caused an interception that led to Philadelphia’s first touchdown, plowing into Gelbaugh as he attempted to pass.

When the Cardinals (4-9) upset Philadelphia, 26-10, they did it with six turnovers.

“We knew we were going to play a really tough game today,” Eagle Coach Rich Kotite said. “In the first half, I’ve never seen a defense make plays like ours today.”

The Eagles (7-5) remained in contention for a playoff spot. “We felt that if we turned the ball over and left ourselves with poor field position, we were in for a long afternoon,” Cardinal Coach Joe Bugel said. “We’re not a good enough team to beat the Philadelphia Eagles if we give the ball away.”

Jim McMahon, whose only defeat as a starting quarterback this season came against the Cardinals, completed only 10 of 25 passes for 162 yards but threw touchdown passes of 18 yards to Fred Barnett and 29 yards to Keith Jackson.

Gelbaugh completed just 19 of 39 passes and was involved in five of the seven turnovers.