• March 19, 2024

Eagles-Panthers Preview

sam-bradford-nfl-preseason-baltimore-ravens-philadelphia-eagles2-850x560The Philadelphia Eagles will look to make it two straight prime time victories when they face the undefeated Carolina Panthers Sunday Night. After a terrific defensive performance that had Eli Manning in complete disarray, the challenge of slowing down dual threat quarterback Cam Newton is next on the list.

Cam Newton was injured when the Eagles and Panthers played last season, but that’s not the case this time around. After losing 2014 standout Kelvin Benjamin for the season, Newton has looked impressive throwing the football to an average wide receiver core. Tight-end Greg Olsen will be the guy outside of Cam Newton that Billy Davis will need to game plan for. With 24 receptions 374 yards and 3 touchdowns, Olsen is a mismatch for linebackers with his athleticism and route running, and is the go to target in the red zone and on third down.

Jonathan Stewart is the Panthers leading rusher but only has one run of over twenty yards and last week was the first time he found the end-zone this season. The offensive line for the Panthers has received a lot of praise for their improvement this season. Their weakness is at the tackle position, which could allow Graham, Curry and Barwin to use their strength and speed to cause havoc for Newton.

The Panthers defense is a solid showcasing a strong front seven that has similar strengths to the Eagles defense. They run a 4-3 scheme led by defensive coordinator Sean McDermott, a unit who looks to shut down the run and force erratic throws with unique blitzing schemes.

The Eagles need to deviate away from running or passing in the direction of Pro Bowl linebacker Luke Kuechly, he is one if not the best linebackers in the NFL. Similar to the Redskins game, the area to attack with the Panthers defense is their safety pairing. Veteran Roman Harper and former Eagle Kurt Coleman are sound tacklers, but don’t have the athleticism to stay with receivers.

The Eagles offense continues to be a question mark, and Chip Kelly and the coaching staff spent the entire week dedicated to improving the turnover issues with quarterback Sam Bradford. The Panthers are going to focus on stopping the Eagles rushing attack, putting the weight on Bradford’s shoulders to succeed with the passing attack.

Sproles has been invisible in the offensive game plan the last few weeks, something Chip Kelly acknowledged he couldn’t repeat in 2015 after falling into this trend last season. The head coach has made adjustments with both the offensive line and rushing attack the last two weeks, but he has also made critical errors with not involving all of his offensive weapons in the game plan. Last week should be a point of reference for Chip.

Against the Panthers defense, the Seattle Seahawks were able to get tight-end Jimmy Graham in the passing game. Will Chip use Zach Ertz in the same way and will Sproles once again be used creatively in the passing game?

The Eagles defense continues to improve on a weekly basis, but they have yet to play a quarterback that has the versatility like Cam Newton. Billy Davis needs to designate a “spy” for Newton, but it doesn’t necessarily need to one player. The Eagles may decide to play close to the line of scrimmage, using a combination of Malcom Jenkins, Connor Barwin and Nolan Carroll throughout the game, forcing Newton to decipher what the defense is trying to do. By using a corner or safety to spy on Newton, it would require another guy to step up. It’s time to get second round pick Eric Rowe more involved on a weekly basis, he demonstrated some good things week three against the Jets, but has seen on a limited basis since that time.

PREDICTION

I’ve gone back and forth with this game; trying to figure out if the strengths of this football team are enough to mask the weaknesses. It’s impossible to ignore how poorly Bradford has played the last two weeks, which would make you believe it can’t get any worse.

What gives me confidence is how the Eagles defense has looked and the fact that the running game is slowly starting to look like everyone anticipated heading into the 2015 season.
Heading into the bye week with a 4-3 record would be tremendous achievement for the Eagles, but it’s going to take an effort that hasn’t been shown throughout the first six weeks.
I feel this is going to be a huge week for the Eagles; the team is starting to show an identity, even if it’s not the offensive fire power that many envisioned after preseason game three against the Green Bay Packers.

Eagles 30 Panthers 20

Jeff Kolsky

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eagles0superbowls
eagles0superbowls
October 25, 2015 9:27 am

Go Eagles –
Panthers are a power running team and the birds are walking dead at the ILB position with these injuries. The ILB inexperience might hurt the birds since Cam Newton does a lot of read option then play action passes to TE Olsen continually playing yoyo games with the ILB.

eagles0superbowls
eagles0superbowls
October 25, 2015 9:30 am

to beat the Panthers the birds need to launch the ball deep. Sam needs 3 td passes this week. (Sproles on a wheel route, Matthews up the seam, and Cooper on play action)

tsjohnson5
tsjohnson5
October 25, 2015 10:17 am

Yeah you’re being a bit of a homer with that prediction.

Game will be closer than that say – 27-23 but I don’t know who.

I don’t think the Panthers are that good of team. Neither are the Eagles. I think the defense can harass Newton all day, but I also think their defense can force turnovers all day.

I think I’m going to go with last man with the ball wins.

paulman
paulman
October 25, 2015 11:55 am

Game will be Close as most Panthers Games are…

3-4 Keys to the Game

1) Who Wins Turnover Battle? ( Bradford must protect ball)
2) Red-Zone Efficiency in Terms of Scoring TD’s and not settling for FG’s
3) Eagles Win if they hold Panthers to 125 Yards Rushing or less
4) Panthers Win if they hold the Eagles to 125 Yards Rushing or less
5) Special Teams Play will be Huge on Coverage/Return Teams

Eagles need to attack & exploit the Panther Safeties and stay away from their CB’s (Norman, Tillman & #25 Bene Benweirkie)

Panthers need to attack the Eagles Interior inthe running game & CB B Maxwell on the Deep Routes (Ted Ginn or Philly Brown will take 3-4 shots down the field) and work their Screen Game with Fozzy Whitaker)

Whatever Team gets more Pressure & Sacks on the QB will Win…

vinnietheevictor
vinnietheevictor
October 25, 2015 5:43 pm

Be very very annoying if the Raiders become the “next big thing” over the Eagles.

Derek Carr is looking ridiculous. If Eagles apparently didn’t believe in Foles….why draft Marcus Smith with Carr on the board??

🙁

paulman
paulman
October 25, 2015 7:31 pm

Remember I stated that Derek Carr would be the best NFL of his Class the soonest over Bortles, Manziel & Bridgewater …
I think Bridgewater may have the best overall Career but Carr is not soft or lack leadership skills like his brother David, who I still believe some Teams were scared off from and took the younger Derek off their Draft Boards
Johnny Football will not see the end of his Rookie Deal and
1st Overall Pick Jadaveon Clowney will also not see the end of his Rookie Deal
From the 2014 Draft Class as I stated during that run-up to that 2014 Draft

eagles0superbowls
eagles0superbowls
October 25, 2015 7:42 pm
Reply to  paulman

Johnny Football went 4/5, 27 yards today after McCown got KO’d with a shoulder injury.

paulman
paulman
October 25, 2015 7:52 pm

Johnny Football is not an NFL and should Play in Canada as Tim Tebow should have done after their College Careers and then hone their skills and. Attempt the NFL…

paulman
paulman
October 25, 2015 7:52 pm
Reply to  paulman

Is not a “NFL QB” is what I meant to post..

eagles0superbowls
eagles0superbowls
October 25, 2015 8:34 pm

Inactives – Agholor, Kiko, Bair, Ryans, Lewis, Rice, Hawkinson

paulman
paulman
October 25, 2015 8:35 pm

RT Lane Johnson Off-Sides

daggolden
daggolden
October 25, 2015 8:38 pm
Reply to  paulman

Bad call on Lane Johnson. He moved right at snap

paulman
paulman
October 25, 2015 8:38 pm

A big Key to this Game is the fact that the Panthers can generate a Pass-Rush with their Front 4 and don’t have to rely on Blitzing
Can the Eagles get to Cam Newton with only Rushing 4 on passing downs..
Something to keep an eye on…

eagles0superbowls
eagles0superbowls
October 25, 2015 8:38 pm

LT Jason Peters gives up a sack – back to back alternating bad play by OT

eagles0superbowls
eagles0superbowls
October 25, 2015 8:44 pm

trouble — Carolina easily shredded the Eagles Defense —
Carolina 7- Eagles 0

paulman
paulman
October 25, 2015 8:44 pm

Calling Deserteagle ..
This is not the PanthersTeamof early last Season..
I’ve been telling you guys that this Team is built to contend right now in 2015 despite their pedestrian WR Corps…
Their Guards (both 2nd Year Players and Center Ryan Kalil are one of the Best Interior Group in the NFL
Eagles Smaller ILB’s Kendricks & Hicks will have their hands full stopping these guys…

vinnietheevictor
vinnietheevictor
October 25, 2015 8:47 pm

At what point will Bradofrd stop throwing behind his wrs? Week 10? Week 16? Next year?

daggolden
daggolden
October 25, 2015 8:50 pm

Catch the fucking ball it wasn’t that far behind him.

Eaglehaslanded
Eaglehaslanded
October 25, 2015 8:47 pm

Nice pass behind Matthews for the pick, 9 TD’s and 10 interceptions, 1 fumble. Turnover machine status personified!

daggolden
daggolden
October 25, 2015 8:49 pm

Jordan Matthews love affair is over. He sucks. He drops more passess than he catches. Yeah he runs hard at practice he catches a100 balls a day. On game day he sucks.

paulman
paulman
October 25, 2015 8:50 pm

It looks like Panthers WR T Ginn’s left knee was down before the ball popped out to Carroll.. Not sure if it’s enough to overturn the call on the field which was Eagles Ball.. A huge call here early inthe game…

daggolden
daggolden
October 25, 2015 8:54 pm

Play Ryan Matthews idiots

Eaglehaslanded
Eaglehaslanded
October 25, 2015 8:56 pm

Uh, just throw the ball away and not take an eight yard sack.

daggolden
daggolden
October 25, 2015 8:59 pm
Reply to  Eaglehaslanded

Why don’t all QBs just throw the ball away and none of them get sacked? I guess it doesn’t work like that.

Eaglehaslanded
Eaglehaslanded
October 25, 2015 9:04 pm
Reply to  daggolden

If you see the guy coming and decide to turtle up, you also have time to throw ball away, especially when you are just holding onto the ball.

daggolden
daggolden
October 25, 2015 9:09 pm
Reply to  Eaglehaslanded

Why doesn’t every QB in the NFL do it. Hell there should be no sacks. A lot of QBs get sacked.

Eaglehaslanded
Eaglehaslanded
October 25, 2015 9:12 pm
Reply to  daggolden

Yes, no sacks

Eaglehaslanded
Eaglehaslanded
October 25, 2015 9:14 pm
Reply to  daggolden

There, I am satisfied

bfdaking215
bfdaking215
October 25, 2015 8:57 pm

I hate Bradford

daggolden
daggolden
October 25, 2015 8:58 pm

Ryan Matthews is the best player on the Eagles offense and Sproles is the 2nd best player and neither of them play

paulman
paulman
October 25, 2015 8:58 pm

There’s my DT Kawann Short from Purdue making a Sack
I was high on this guy 3 Years ago when the Panthers Drafted
Star Lotuleile in the 1st Round and Kawann Short in the 2nd Round
Short has been the more consistent and better Player in my opinion for he gives you a Pass-Rush on top of a good run stuffer
The Eagles Selected Bennie Logan in 3 in that same Draft which was a good one for DT

Eaglehaslanded
Eaglehaslanded
October 25, 2015 8:59 pm

Looks like something just gave out in Peters leg.

paulman
paulman
October 25, 2015 9:00 pm

It looks like Jason Peters tore his Achilles and probably out for the Season
And most likely his Career …
Now the Eagles will need to Run the ball and limit and protect Sam Bradford
Or they will be in Trouble the rest of the season..

bfdaking215
bfdaking215
October 25, 2015 9:01 pm

Put Sanchez in the damn game!

paulman
paulman
October 25, 2015 9:01 pm

DE Jared Allen ran right around Matt Tobin on his 1st Snap
Bradfordwill have happy feet the rest of the night

paulman
paulman
October 25, 2015 9:05 pm

All Cam does is get 1st Downs or TD’s when he Runs.. He’s very difficult to stop on short-yardage attempts even when you know it’s coming..

bfdaking215
bfdaking215
October 25, 2015 9:22 pm
Reply to  paulman

Matthews with another drop

daggolden
daggolden
October 25, 2015 9:05 pm

This is the worst game to have Ryans not playing

paulman
paulman
October 25, 2015 9:06 pm

Nice Blitz by Kendricks and big play

Eaglehaslanded
Eaglehaslanded
October 25, 2015 9:09 pm

Being reported Peters has lower back injury

paulman
paulman
October 25, 2015 9:15 pm
Reply to  Eaglehaslanded

On that replay, it looked like Peter’s lower leg just gave out which is typical of a Achilles Tear.. Having a Lower Back issue could be better for at least with treatment Peters could be back in a couple weeks possibly.. Hope his OK
For the Eagles will need Peters if they are going to go anywhere Offensively with the limited mobility of Bradford
Sproles should get 15 Catches

paulman
paulman
October 25, 2015 9:09 pm

As I stated, the Panthers Coverage Teams are light years improved from recent seasons and one of the Best in the NFL so far this Season which was a real sore spot in recent years …
Eagles Defense is going to have to get some points tonight

eagles0superbowls
eagles0superbowls
October 25, 2015 9:10 pm

All white boy OL

deserteagle
deserteagle
October 25, 2015 9:12 pm

Pman …so far they’re one score down and played like warm garbage..losing the blind side for Sam I am ,may be a blessing ..he needs dink and dunk and run the rock..btw. Reports peters a back injury. That’s great news ..comparatively

eagles0superbowls
eagles0superbowls
October 25, 2015 9:13 pm

one OL reserve left – Center, offensive guard reserve Josh Andrews

paulman
paulman
October 25, 2015 9:19 pm

Dennis Kelly can Play Tackle if Tobin or Lane Johnson get injured In worst case and then Andrews slides inas Guard/Center

paulman
paulman
October 25, 2015 9:17 pm

As I stated, Center Kelce cannot block #99 (Kawann Short) 1 on 1

paulman
paulman
October 25, 2015 9:21 pm

Center Kelce with another big penalty and was unnecessary as Murray was thru the hole..

daggolden
daggolden
October 25, 2015 9:21 pm

Jordan Matthews sucks

eagles0superbowls
eagles0superbowls
October 25, 2015 9:22 pm

Eagles offense has become:
Jason Kelce penalty,
Jordan Matthews drop,
Sam Bradford interception.
repeat

Eaglehaslanded
Eaglehaslanded
October 25, 2015 9:22 pm

Matthews has hands like fly swatters.

bfdaking215
bfdaking215
October 25, 2015 9:22 pm

How do you catch all these passes in college and now you can’t catch anything

paulman
paulman
October 25, 2015 9:23 pm

Matthews is killing this Offense
Catch it with your hands extended Jordan .. That was a perfect pass from Bradford, who is actually playing pretty well after around start ..
Damn, help him out…

bfdaking215
bfdaking215
October 25, 2015 9:24 pm

Players need to be benched and held accountable for their mistakes. Changes need to be made

daggolden
daggolden
October 25, 2015 9:25 pm

Sam Bradford gets no help from his receivers. His TEs suck, his WR suck and his run game sucks. But nah its all Bradford lol

eagles0superbowls
eagles0superbowls
October 25, 2015 9:29 pm
Reply to  daggolden

his center sucks – I’m expecting Kelce to launch a moon ball in the shot gun any snap now

paulman
paulman
October 25, 2015 9:26 pm

a Big 3rd Down for both sides

bfdaking215
bfdaking215
October 25, 2015 9:27 pm

They all suck. I only like the running backs. Everyone else plays like bitches

paulman
paulman
October 25, 2015 9:28 pm

Eagles Offense need some points, maybe a play action pass to Cooper for a bomb could catch the Panthers napping here ..

deserteagle
deserteagle
October 25, 2015 9:31 pm
Reply to  paulman

I like the way Sam is playing. ..losing his blindside has him more focused ..he looks great at the moment ..didn’t think I’d say that .but smh.

paulman
paulman
October 25, 2015 9:32 pm

Bradford is playing his heart out ..
They need to keep feeding Ryan Matthews for he’s the Eagles best RB

daggolden
daggolden
October 25, 2015 9:32 pm

Play Ryan Matthews! What doesn’t Chip understand?

deserteagle
deserteagle
October 25, 2015 9:35 pm

So far. This is a game the Eagles can stay in ,and turnovers on defense are still there (Maxwell) please cure the ball ,make a play ..this kick has me fidgety ..but I’m hoping 7-3 ..

paulman
paulman
October 25, 2015 9:36 pm

A Kurt Coleman sighting.. Can these damn Eagle Receivers catch the Ball
They are brutal collectively as a WR Corp
Bradford is probably playing his best game as making good passes, quick decisive and correct reads, these damn Receivers have to do their part..
Boy how good would a Jarvis Landry & Dontae Moncreif look in Silver & Greenas I wanted in 2014 Draft instead of Matthews & Huff..

paulman
paulman
October 25, 2015 9:39 pm

God, Sturgis kicks a beauty on the 52 Yard FG and the hooks the Kick-Off out of bounds… Good Grief..

eagles0superbowls
eagles0superbowls
October 25, 2015 9:39 pm

Ted Ginn exposes why Marcus Smith never plays

paulman
paulman
October 25, 2015 9:52 pm

Eagles should just cut their losses and release MSII for he looks lost out on the field still…

paulman
paulman
October 25, 2015 9:53 pm
Reply to  paulman

And with Jordan Hicks continued good Play, just convert Kiko Alonso to an OLB
Full time