Preview: Eagles Look To Keep Rolling Against Panthers

By Gia Lanci, Sports Talk Philly Staff

The Eagles are coming off a big divisional win against the Giants. This is a critical game, against the Panthers, to keep the momentum going for the rest of the season. The offense and defense improved their performance from the previous games to dominate the Giants. Last week was definitely the best game of the season played by the Eagles so far. That being said they need to prove their place in this upcoming game.

A Tough Fight

When the Eagles played the Carolina Panthers in week six last season, the Eagles fought hard and beat the Panthers 28-23. The Panthers defense did get at Carson Wentz on several occasions. He was sacked three times in the first half, which he adjusted for in the second half. Although their defense put a lot of pressure on Wentz, he still had a great game throwing for 222 yards.

Even though the Panthers lost in week six, Cam Newton is always a quarterback to watch out for. In that game and for most of his career, he is the one who does most of the running for Carolina’s offense. The Eagles defense did good work against Cam last season since he is so mobile. It is something to prepare for in this upcoming game, as well. The Eagles won the turnovers in week six when Cam threw three interceptions. Fletcher Cox and Jalen Mills set the offense up to score with those turnovers.

Confidence Is Key

The Eagles secondary looked better in the game against the Giants. Though, there were several issues with Saquon Barkley running all over our defense. This week will be the test if they have actually improved or if the Giants weak offense made the secondary look better than they are.

How do you think the secondary will perform against the Carolina Panthers this Sunday?

— Eagledelphia (@EagledelphiaPA) October 20, 2018

The other issue the team was having was lack of protection for Wentz. The protection by the offensive line was better last week, and I think they definitely did improve from the previous games. The offense looked great against the Giants. They completely dominated and gained a lot of confidence back. This game was what they needed to get back into the swing of things. However, they will need to pass the test with a good team this week.

Injury Report

Eagles

Out

RB Darren Sproles, CB Sidney Jones, S Corey Graham and LBs DJ Alexander and Nathan Gerry

Darren Sproles is still out with an ongoing hamstring injury. Sidney Jones is out with a hamstring injury. With Jones and Corey Graham out, the newly signed Dexter McDougle may play as Rasul Douglas and Avonte Maddox will likely be in the slot and safety postions for much of the game.

Questionable

DT Haloti Ngata

Ngata is questionable again. He is out with a calf injury. He had light practices all week and most likely will not get much playing time. If he does play, he will be very limited in what he can do.

Not Listed

DE Derek Barnett, OT Lane Johnson, OT Jason Peters, CB Jalen Mills and QB Carson Wentz all took it easy this week with lingering injuries. It is going to be a tough week with the underlying thought of these injurie, going into this crucial game. They are all key players that we need to stay healthy for the rest of the season.

Panthers

Out

LB Andre Smith

The Panthers defense have several defensive players who did not practice, or had light practices this week. Most of them will play excluding Andre Smith who is ruled out for the game in Philadelphia with a hamstring injury. It will still affect their defense immensely since they will not be able to play to their full potential with lingering injuries.

Not Listed

TE Greg Olsen is a crucial part of Carolina’s offense. He got hurt in the first game of the season injuring his foot that also affected him last season. He played last week when the Panthers lost against the Redskins. He had light practices this week but is intended to play against the Eagles. He is Cam’s go-to target and a key player for Philadelphia to keep their eye on.

Broadcast Information

Time: 1:00 PM

TV: FOX

Radio: 94.1 FM WIP

Online: NFL Game Pass