Writer: Kevin Durso

Week 7 Preview: Eagles battle undefeated Panthers

By
Kevin Durso
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Kevin Durso Sports Editor

I have been writing for Sports Talk Philly since 2011. Currently editor and lead writer of Philadelphia Flyers coverage. Co-host of the YWT Podcast. I also am Flyers insider for 97.3 ESPN-FM in South Jersey. I graduated from Cabrini University in 2014.

All posts by Kevin Durso
Sports Editor

Published25 Oct 2015

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After taking care of business against the Giants and jumping back into first place in the NFC East with back-to-back wins, the Eagles face another challenge on Sunday night.

The Carolina Panthers are one of five teams that remain undefeated. This latest test for Chip Kelly and Co. has the Eagles positioned to enter the bye week with a ton of momentum, so long as they take care of business for the third straight week.

Kickoff is set for 8:30 p.m. from Bank of America Stadium in Carolina.

The Eagles are still looking for that full offensive effort — as they had in a 45-21 win over Carolina last season — but the struggles continue for Sam Bradford. He threw three interceptions on Monday night against the Giants, bringing his season total to nine.

Part of Bradford's struggles also fall on wide receivers. Jordan Matthews has particularly struggled with drops and lost a fumble last week for the Eagles fourth turnover in the win over the Giants. The Eagles will also be without Nelson Agholor for the second straight week.

DeMarco Murray did have a solid game against the Giants and in recent weeks things appear to be coming together for him.

Defensively, the Eagles have been strong all season, and it now shows in the league rankings. The Eagles come into Sunday's game with the most three-and-out drives for a defense and second in the league in takeaways. They also are seventh in points allowed per game and ninth in rushing yards allowed per game.

The Panthers are led by Cam Newton, who has 1,078 passing yards and eight touchdowns on the season. Greg Olsen has been the top target, with 324 receiving yards and three touchdowns.

The Panthers defense has been a key to their success. They have eight interceptions this season, four by Josh Norman, and three fumble recoveries.

Thomas Davis, Roman Harper, Kawann Short and Luke Kuechly are all key players to the Panthers defense and among the leaders in tackles, sacks and tackles for loss.

Game Notes

  • Sunday night's game is the 10th meeting between the Eagles and Panthers. The Eagles are 6-3 all time against the Panthers, including a 45-21 win over Carolina last season.
  • The Eagles are 2-1 against the Panthers in Carolina.
  • The Eagles defense has forced a turnover in 12 straight games and has 29 turnovers in the last 12 games. 

Injury Report

Eagles

Out

  • WR Nelson Agholor (ankle)
  • Kiko Alonso (knee)

Questionable

  • DE Brandon Bair (groin)
  • WR Riley Cooper (knee)
  • Mychal Kendricks (hamstring)
  • LB DeMeco Ryans (hamstring)

Probable

  • WR Josh Huff (knee)

Panthers

Out

  • TE Richard Brockel (hamstring)
  • DT Dwan Edwards (ankle)
  • LB Sha'Quille Thompson (knee)
  • T Daryl Williams (knee)

Probable

  • DE Jared Allen (back)
  • LB Aaron Klein (concussion)
  • CB Ted Williams (concussion)

Where To Watch
TV: NBC10 (Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth, Michele Tafoya)
Radio: 94 WIP (Merrill Reese, Mike Quick, Howard Eskin)

Kevin Durso is managing editor for Eagledelphia. Follow him on Twitter @Kevin_Durso.