Carson Wentz's career-high 4 touchdowns lead Eagles' 34-7 win over Arizona Cardinals

There was no need for a dramatic ending in the Eagles' second home game of the season. The Eagles did not need to display their fourth-quarter resolve. Philadelphia fans could have started victory celebrations in the first quarter, because that's when it became clear that the Eagles would dominate the Arizona Cardinals in a 34-7 win on Sunday.

"That, by far, in our five games, was the most dominating performance they've had as a team," said coach Doug Pederson, whose previous three wins this season came by a combined 18 points.

The Eagles took a three-touchdown lead in the opening 15 minutes, and the game never appeared in doubt thereafter. Each touchdown came from the right arm of Carson Wentz, who set a career high with four TD passes in a game. The Eagles are 4-1 for the first time since 2014, ensuring they remain atop the NFC East standings entering Thursday's game against the Carolina Panthers.

The term "dominate" is not used loosely in the NFL, where parity often reigns. But it was used freely in the Eagles' postgame locker room, because how else could a 27-point margin of victory be described? Each unit excelled, with Wentz leading the passing game; the defense limiting the Cardinals to one visit to the end zone; and an Eagles special teams that provided a big punt return and a blocked field-goal attempt.

"It was probably the most complete game since I've been here," tight end Zach Ertz said. "All three phases contributing. It was a dominating performance. Obviously, at home, we want to get those fans into it early. … The most fun game I've been a part of for a long time."

The crowd of 69,596 at Lincoln Financial Field could relate. There have been convincing home wins in recent years – the Eagles beat the Steelers by 31 points last season and the Bears by 43 points in 2013 – and it was difficult to find much fault from Sunday's performance. Wentz was the big reason.

The second-year quarterback, who was embraced by former Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb after the game, finished 21 of 30 for 304 yards. It's the first time he's thrown more than two touchdowns in a game. On third downs, he was 11 of 12 for 225 yards and three touchdowns. He threw a costly interception in the second quarter, so he wasn't perfect, but it was as well as he's played in an Eagles uniform.

"You hope for something like that," Wentz said of the way the Eagles started the game. "I didn't imagine it going quite like that, maybe not quite that much, but the defense was rolling."

After the defense forced a three-and-out on Arizona's opening possession, Wentz led a 10-play drive ending with a 15-yard touchdown to tight end Trey Burton. Once Burton won the release at the line of scrimmage, wide receiver Torrey Smith signaled for a touchdown. Seven points appeared a formality, based on how open Burton was in the end zone.

The defense forced the Cardinals to punt again, and Kenjon Barner made sure the offense didn't need far to go. Barner, who was signed two weeks ago, after Darren Sproles' injury, navigated through Arizona's punt coverage for a 76-yard return. That set up the offense at the 15-yard line, where Wentz needed three plays to hit Ertz for an 11-yard touchdown and a 14-0 lead.

Wentz led the Eagles on another touchdown drive before the quarter ended. Smith was hard on himself leading up to the game, suggesting he was in the worst stretch of his career. The slump ended Sunday. Smith might have struggled with drops, but he's found ways to get open all season. That was rewarded on a third-down ball deep down the middle for a 59-yard touchdown — Smith's first score as an Eagle.

"That's big for both he and I," Wentz said. "We've missed a couple down the field. Both of us have had our share of faults on those, so … that was a huge play in the game and just good to see. I've never lost faith in him, and it showed today."

Smith signed in the off-season to be the home-run threat for the offense, and he celebrated accordingly. Fellow receiver Nelson Agholor pretended to pitch, and Smith pretended to hit a home run.

Agholor's chance came in the third quarter. With the Eagles pinned back for a third-and-19 at their 28-yard line, the Cardinals blitzed. Center Jason Kelce handled two defenders to give Wentz time to recognize that Agholor had a safety covering him. Agholor tracked the deep pass, caught it, and danced past a defender for the 72-yard score. He even fell backward in the end zone, as a tribute to former Eagle DeSean Jackson.

"At first, I thought I was even with him," Agholor said about the coverage. "I was ducking my head, and then I saw the ball, so I turned up another gear to go track it. Carson just gave me a great opportunity and threw such a beautiful ball."

Agholor led the Eagles with four catches for 93 yards, including the highlight of the game, and the Cardinals posed little threat to come back after that. The Eagles' defense had stymied the Cardinals, limiting them to 4 of 14 on third downs. The three-touchdown, first-quarter lead gave the Eagles all the points they needed to please a crowd that endured some rain.

The Eagles have little time to enjoy the win. They will return to work on Monday and depart on Wednesday to face the 4-1 Panthers on Thursday night. That game will be a litmus test for the Eagles, who appear to be legitimate contenders to win the NFC.

"I think the sky's the limit," Pederson said. "The key is staying grounded and staying focused on our job. These wins, these losses, are short-lived. You've got to get yourself ready to go."

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