Preview: Eagles get huge test on Thursday Night Football

By: Jesse Larch, Sports Talk Philly editor 

The Eagles will travel to Charlotte, North Carolina on a short week to Battle the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America stadium in a battle of 4-1 teams on Thursday Night Football. 

Cam Newton on Fire

Cam Newton was criticized heavily a few weeks ago after throwing three interceptions against the New Orleans Saints. Newton has bounced back in an incredible way by having big days against the New England Patriots and Detroit Lions, two teams considered to be playoff bound. 

In those two games Newton has thrown for 671 yards with six touchdowns and one interception. Newton has added 44 yards and one touchdown on the ground as well. 

The Panthers love to stretch the field, so you can expect to see Newton's arm on full display Thursday night. 

Elite Defenses versus Elite Offensive Lines

The Panthers rank third in total defense and sacks this season according to NFL.com. The defense that helped reach Super Bowl 50 has seemingly returned to form under Ron Rivera this season. Unfortunately for the Panthers, they will be without both starting safeties tonight, which includes former Eagles Kurt Coleman.

The Eagles have the second best rushing defense in the NFL entering Thursday's tilt, and will be getting Fletcher Cox back from injury barring a setback. The Eagles have allowed 19.8 points per game, while the Panthers have allowed 18.8 points per game. 

The Eagles also boast the top offensive line in the NFL according to Pro Football Focus. The Eagles will not have Lane Johnson who is out with a concussion, and will start Halapoulivaati Vaitai in his place. 

That same Pro Football Focus list lists the Panthers offensive line as the second best in the NFL behind only the Eagles. The Panthers are missing starting center Ryan Kalil, but replacement Tyler Larsen has played very well in relief.

It will be interesting to see how the injuries for both team affect this key matchup. 

History of Thursday Night Football

In the 120 game history of Thursday Night Football – dating back to 2006 – the home team has won 68 of the contests. The Eagles have a disadvantage entering Thursday Night just from being the away team and having the short week. 

In their history in Primetime games, Cam Newton and Carson Wentz both have even records. Newton is 7-7 all-time in late games and Wentz is 2-2 under the spotlight in his short career. 

Injury Report

The Eagles will be without right tackle Lane Johnson and cornerback Ronald Darby. Fletcher Cox, Wendell Smallwood, Beau Allen, Destiny Vaeao, Chris Long, and Jaylen Watkins are all listed as questionable heading into tonight's contest. Cox is expected to make his return after a two week absence and Smallwood is not expected to play after missing practice all week. 

Starting safeties Kurt Coleman and Demetrious Cox both are listed as out for Carolina, as is starting Center Ryan Kalil. No players carry the questionable designation for the Panthers on Thursday night. 

Broadcast Information

Time: 8:25 p.m.

Television: CBS/NFL Network | Play-by-Play by Jim Nantz with color commentary by Tony Romo and sideline reports from Tracy Wolfson

Radio: 94.1 FM WIP | Play-by-Play by Merrill Reese with color commentary by Mike Quick and sideline reports from Howard Eskin

Online: NFL Game Pass and Amazon Prime

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