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Week 15: Eagles Studs And Duds

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- This has been a taxing season for Philadelphia Eagles' fans.

It's been an up-and-down roller coaster that -- after an embarrassing 40-17 loss to the Arizona Cardinals -- leaves the Eagles facing two straight pseudo-playoff games before the playoffs.

Let's take a look at Sunday's Eagles studs and duds.

Duds

 

3. Darren Sproles

Darren Sproles
PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 20: Darren Sproles #43 of the Philadelphia Eagles carries the ball as Tony Jefferson #22 of the Arizona Cardinals looks on in the second half of the game at Lincoln Financial Field on December 20, 2015 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)

Nine touches for 25 yards and no impact in the return game. Just not gonna cut it for the Eagles' most dynamic playmaker against an elite opponent.

2. Riley Cooper

What else is new? Just two catches and a "meh" block on a key 4th-and-inches play. I don't think Cooper is back next season.

1. The defense

Eagles Cardinals
PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 20: Kerwynn Williams #33 of the Arizona Cardinals attempts to break a tackle by Mychal Kendricks #95 of the Philadelphia Eagles during the fourth quarter in a football game at Lincoln Financial Field on December 20, 2015 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Cardinals won 40-17. (Photo by Rich Schultz /Getty Images)

Just an inspired effort. And maybe my expectations are too high for this unit, but there's too much talent to be allowing 230 rushing yards. So many missed tackles! Where is Kiko Alonso? Brandon Graham? Paging Mychal Kendricks! I can't remember the last time Kendricks made a huge play.

 

Studs

 

3. E.J. Biggers

Biggers, after Byron Maxwell and Eric Rowe left the game early, stepped in and played very well in coverage. Biggers had five tackles too.

2. Jordan Matthews

Jordan Matthews
PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 20: Jordan Matthews #81 of the Philadelphia Eagles makes a catch in the third quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at Lincoln Financial Field on December 20, 2015 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)

While his annoying celebrations bothered me, Matthews did have eight catches for 159 yards and a touchdown. The long catch made his day look better than it was, but it still counts -- I guess.

1. Fletcher Cox

Cox is the best player on the team and it shows week in and week out. Six tackles (five solo), two tackles for a loss, three QB hits, and one sack.

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