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I'm really looking forward to watching this game.
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http://www.catscratchreader.com/201...ers-philadelphia-eagles-cam-newton-greg-olsen
Week 7: Eagles at Panthers - Offensive Preview
By Ivan Halley on Oct 23, 2015
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Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images
The Panthers continue to roll, as they step into the primetime lights for a Sunday Night Football matchup.
I believed the Panthers could pull that game out last week. I had picked them to win, expected them to win. After a tight quarter and a half to start the game, I felt confident in our chances, but understandably nervous. I had somewhere to go for a couple of hours in the middle of the game, and when I came back, the score was 23-14 in favor of the Seahawks. I felt crushed, but not upset.
Then Jonathan Stewart made it a 3 point game after Graham Gano's PAT failed. After a huge stop on defense, we got to see one of the single best drives of Cam Newton's career. It was so good, that even a 9 yard loss on a sack couldn't stop him, as the offense marched down the field and secured the victory from the jaws of defeat with a 26 yard strike to TE Greg Olsen.
I am recounting that series of events to show just how good this Carolina Panthers (5-0) offense has been. It really shouldn't be, but it is. Masterful playcalling by OC Mike Shula, coupled with near impeccable execution of the part of the offense makes this team scary to play against. Don't listen to what any national pundit says otherwise: the Panthers have faced the toughest possible defense on their schedule in the most hostile environment possible, and they left victorious. We won't go undefeated, at least one game will get away from us. But one thing is clear: despite whatever deficiencies this offense has, it can hang with anyone. Not being cocky, just stating a fact.
With that, let's look at what the Panthers will be up against with the Philadelphia Eagles (3-3).
Panthers Passing Offense
He isn't a flashy passer, but he knows how to be one when he needs to be. Cam Newton was absolutely on point in the 4th quarter last weekend. Say what you want about the Seattle screwups in their secondary, it takes a good QB to be aware of that and then take advantage of it. While his protection hasn't been amazing, it has been good enough when it needs to be.
And what more can be said about this cast of receivers? Ted Ginn, Jerricho Cotchery, Devin Funchess, they have all stepped up when needed. None of them are starting #1 quality WR's, but as a group they are getting it done. You cannot ask for more that that given the circumstances. They will need to get ready against another good defensive test in the Eagles.
Looking at the Eagles depth chart on defense, it is hard to fathom that they are squarely middle of the pack at 15th in total defense. The 3-4 base defense features DE Fletcher Cox, a LB corps that features DeMeco Ryans and Mychal Kendricks, and a secondary featuring Byron Maxwell, Malcolm Jenkins, and Walter Thurmond. Cox will be a force, and has already said he plans on "hitting" Cam as many times as possible to rattle him. Hopefully this refereeing crew will think Cam is old enough to get some late hit/unecessary roughness calls if Cox indeed goes through with his plan.
The secondary will be a tough nut to crack. I dare say, their defensive backfield is as good as Seattle's is. S Malcolm Jenkins is perhaps the most dangerous man in the Eagles secondary. The 7th year pro and former New Orleans Saint has been good this year, allowing only one TD. While they are allowing about 261 YPG through the air, they are tied for 3rd with 8 INT's. They can get turnovers on defense with the best of them. Newton and Company will need to continue the smart football they have been playing of late.
Player to Watch: WR Devin Funchess
I don't know why, but I just have a feeling Funchess will finally break out some. After a rough start to last week's game, he made some clutch catches to help the Panthers finally defeat the Seahawks. He is starting to get separation from defenders and just needs to catch the ball with authority. Maybe this isn't the game, but he definitely bears watching. The kid is starting to put it together and he could be scary good when he does.
Panthers Rushing Offense
Last week when I wrote the offensive preview for the Seattle game, I thought the Panthers would be lucky to eclipse 100 yards total rushing the ball. As a whole, the team ran for 135 yards of offense, punctuated by some punishing running by RB Jonathan Stewart. Stewart picked the best game he could to finally have a good game. He had a terrific 52 yards after contact in a game against a strong Seattle rush defense. I was really in awe watching Stewart literally will himself to get more yardage. He had a very good outing, and hopefully it will be something he can build on going forward.
The Eagles are ranked inside the top 10 in terms of rush defense, placing 8th overall and allowing 94 YPG on average. Perhaps more impressively, through they have only allowed one rushing TD through six games this season. The LB corps of Ryans, Kendricks, Connor Barwin, and Brandon Graham have a lot to do with it. Even without the injured Kiko Alonso, they are still a tough group to run against. The one-two punch of Newton and Stewart though should open up some room to run.
Player to Watch: RB Jonathan Stewart
He had a big game last week. If there was a time to get hot and on a roll it is now. We have Philly this week, Indy the next, and Green Bay after that. The run game needs to continue to open up the passing offense.
Injury Report
Eagles Defense
LB Kiko Alonso (Knee) - Doubtful
DE Brandon Blair (Groin) - Questionable
LB DeMeco Ryans (Hamstring) - Questionable
LB Mychal Kendricks (Hamstring) - Probable
Panthers Offense
T Daryl Williams (Knee) - Questionable
Last Word
The fortitude shown in last week's win is infectious. The Panthers of old never would have come back after being 13 down or even 9 down. Yet they continued to fight, more importantly they fought for each other. A team that that fights for each other finds crazy and unique ways to win. I know this though, every win we get this year will be a battle. No win will come easy. I'm of the belief though that will only make us a stronger team going forward. This is a team that, no matter the circumstances, believes it can win any game it is in. Time to clip the Eagles wings.
http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/...-predictions-preview-nfl-week-7-results-score
Eagles vs. Panthers 2015: Game Predictions
By Brandon Lee Gowton @BrandonGowton on Oct 25, 2015
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The Eagles have a big game tonight against the Carolina Panthers. Philadelphia has managed to win three out of their four last games after starting the season in an 0-2 hole. The Eagles are amazingly in first place of the NFC East and have a chance to get above .500 with a win on Sunday Night Football.
Of course, it won't be easy. The Panthers are 5-0. It's true that the Panthers don't have a lot of quality wins. They beat the Jaguars, the Texans, the Saints without Drew Brees, the Buccaneers, and the Seahawks. Seattle is the best win out of that bunch, and the Seahawks could easily be 2-5 if not for that blown calls in their victory over the Lions. Definitely give credit to the Panthers for beating teams they should beat, but this team doesn't seem to be on the level of other undefeated teams such as the Patriots and Packers.
Still, the Panthers will be provide a tough test for the Eagles. Philadelphia's offense has shown signs of progress in recent weeks. But one significant area where the Eagles are still struggling is the passing attack. Sam Bradford is turning the ball over way too often. The quarterback threw three interceptions against the Giants. He is seriously struggling with accuracy issues. He's failing to make easy completions at times. Couple Bradford's struggles with the fact that the Panthers' pass defense ranks near the top of the NFL and it's a big concern.
The good news for the Eagles is that the Panthers are a little more vulnerable against the run. Their run defense allows the 18th most yards per attempt and ranks 18th overall by Football Outsiders. Philadelphia's offensive line and, subsequently, the run game have looked a lot better. DeMarco Murray finished with his first 100+ yard rushing performance last week. The Eagles will need to rely on Murray, Ryan Mathews, andDarren Sproles to get going on the ground in order to score.
On the other side of the ball, the Eagles' defense is playing at a very high level right now. The unit coached by defensive coordinator Bill Davis ranks No. 3 overall by Football Outsiders. The Eagles match up well with Carolina's offensive strength: running the ball. The Panthers lead the league in rushing attempts so Philadelphia's strong run defense will be tested here. Keeping Cam Newton in check as both a runner and passer will also be a big challenge. The Eagles sacked Newton a whopping nine times last season when these two teams played but they obviously won't be able to count on that again.
The Eagles' defense is legit. They should be able to handle the Panthers' offense and keep the game within reach. Philadelphia's offense is much more concerning. Will they be able to score against Carolina's defense? Things could get ugly if Bradford continues to turn the ball over like he has to this point.
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http://www.catscratchreader.com/201...ers-philadelphia-eagles-cam-newton-greg-olsen
Week 7: Eagles at Panthers - Offensive Preview
By Ivan Halley on Oct 23, 2015
Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images
The Panthers continue to roll, as they step into the primetime lights for a Sunday Night Football matchup.
I believed the Panthers could pull that game out last week. I had picked them to win, expected them to win. After a tight quarter and a half to start the game, I felt confident in our chances, but understandably nervous. I had somewhere to go for a couple of hours in the middle of the game, and when I came back, the score was 23-14 in favor of the Seahawks. I felt crushed, but not upset.
Then Jonathan Stewart made it a 3 point game after Graham Gano's PAT failed. After a huge stop on defense, we got to see one of the single best drives of Cam Newton's career. It was so good, that even a 9 yard loss on a sack couldn't stop him, as the offense marched down the field and secured the victory from the jaws of defeat with a 26 yard strike to TE Greg Olsen.
I am recounting that series of events to show just how good this Carolina Panthers (5-0) offense has been. It really shouldn't be, but it is. Masterful playcalling by OC Mike Shula, coupled with near impeccable execution of the part of the offense makes this team scary to play against. Don't listen to what any national pundit says otherwise: the Panthers have faced the toughest possible defense on their schedule in the most hostile environment possible, and they left victorious. We won't go undefeated, at least one game will get away from us. But one thing is clear: despite whatever deficiencies this offense has, it can hang with anyone. Not being cocky, just stating a fact.
With that, let's look at what the Panthers will be up against with the Philadelphia Eagles (3-3).
Panthers Passing Offense
He isn't a flashy passer, but he knows how to be one when he needs to be. Cam Newton was absolutely on point in the 4th quarter last weekend. Say what you want about the Seattle screwups in their secondary, it takes a good QB to be aware of that and then take advantage of it. While his protection hasn't been amazing, it has been good enough when it needs to be.
And what more can be said about this cast of receivers? Ted Ginn, Jerricho Cotchery, Devin Funchess, they have all stepped up when needed. None of them are starting #1 quality WR's, but as a group they are getting it done. You cannot ask for more that that given the circumstances. They will need to get ready against another good defensive test in the Eagles.
Looking at the Eagles depth chart on defense, it is hard to fathom that they are squarely middle of the pack at 15th in total defense. The 3-4 base defense features DE Fletcher Cox, a LB corps that features DeMeco Ryans and Mychal Kendricks, and a secondary featuring Byron Maxwell, Malcolm Jenkins, and Walter Thurmond. Cox will be a force, and has already said he plans on "hitting" Cam as many times as possible to rattle him. Hopefully this refereeing crew will think Cam is old enough to get some late hit/unecessary roughness calls if Cox indeed goes through with his plan.
The secondary will be a tough nut to crack. I dare say, their defensive backfield is as good as Seattle's is. S Malcolm Jenkins is perhaps the most dangerous man in the Eagles secondary. The 7th year pro and former New Orleans Saint has been good this year, allowing only one TD. While they are allowing about 261 YPG through the air, they are tied for 3rd with 8 INT's. They can get turnovers on defense with the best of them. Newton and Company will need to continue the smart football they have been playing of late.
Player to Watch: WR Devin Funchess
I don't know why, but I just have a feeling Funchess will finally break out some. After a rough start to last week's game, he made some clutch catches to help the Panthers finally defeat the Seahawks. He is starting to get separation from defenders and just needs to catch the ball with authority. Maybe this isn't the game, but he definitely bears watching. The kid is starting to put it together and he could be scary good when he does.
Panthers Rushing Offense
Last week when I wrote the offensive preview for the Seattle game, I thought the Panthers would be lucky to eclipse 100 yards total rushing the ball. As a whole, the team ran for 135 yards of offense, punctuated by some punishing running by RB Jonathan Stewart. Stewart picked the best game he could to finally have a good game. He had a terrific 52 yards after contact in a game against a strong Seattle rush defense. I was really in awe watching Stewart literally will himself to get more yardage. He had a very good outing, and hopefully it will be something he can build on going forward.
The Eagles are ranked inside the top 10 in terms of rush defense, placing 8th overall and allowing 94 YPG on average. Perhaps more impressively, through they have only allowed one rushing TD through six games this season. The LB corps of Ryans, Kendricks, Connor Barwin, and Brandon Graham have a lot to do with it. Even without the injured Kiko Alonso, they are still a tough group to run against. The one-two punch of Newton and Stewart though should open up some room to run.
Player to Watch: RB Jonathan Stewart
He had a big game last week. If there was a time to get hot and on a roll it is now. We have Philly this week, Indy the next, and Green Bay after that. The run game needs to continue to open up the passing offense.
Injury Report
Eagles Defense
LB Kiko Alonso (Knee) - Doubtful
DE Brandon Blair (Groin) - Questionable
LB DeMeco Ryans (Hamstring) - Questionable
LB Mychal Kendricks (Hamstring) - Probable
Panthers Offense
T Daryl Williams (Knee) - Questionable
Last Word
The fortitude shown in last week's win is infectious. The Panthers of old never would have come back after being 13 down or even 9 down. Yet they continued to fight, more importantly they fought for each other. A team that that fights for each other finds crazy and unique ways to win. I know this though, every win we get this year will be a battle. No win will come easy. I'm of the belief though that will only make us a stronger team going forward. This is a team that, no matter the circumstances, believes it can win any game it is in. Time to clip the Eagles wings.
http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/...-predictions-preview-nfl-week-7-results-score
Eagles vs. Panthers 2015: Game Predictions
By Brandon Lee Gowton @BrandonGowton on Oct 25, 2015
The Eagles have a big game tonight against the Carolina Panthers. Philadelphia has managed to win three out of their four last games after starting the season in an 0-2 hole. The Eagles are amazingly in first place of the NFC East and have a chance to get above .500 with a win on Sunday Night Football.
Of course, it won't be easy. The Panthers are 5-0. It's true that the Panthers don't have a lot of quality wins. They beat the Jaguars, the Texans, the Saints without Drew Brees, the Buccaneers, and the Seahawks. Seattle is the best win out of that bunch, and the Seahawks could easily be 2-5 if not for that blown calls in their victory over the Lions. Definitely give credit to the Panthers for beating teams they should beat, but this team doesn't seem to be on the level of other undefeated teams such as the Patriots and Packers.
Still, the Panthers will be provide a tough test for the Eagles. Philadelphia's offense has shown signs of progress in recent weeks. But one significant area where the Eagles are still struggling is the passing attack. Sam Bradford is turning the ball over way too often. The quarterback threw three interceptions against the Giants. He is seriously struggling with accuracy issues. He's failing to make easy completions at times. Couple Bradford's struggles with the fact that the Panthers' pass defense ranks near the top of the NFL and it's a big concern.
The good news for the Eagles is that the Panthers are a little more vulnerable against the run. Their run defense allows the 18th most yards per attempt and ranks 18th overall by Football Outsiders. Philadelphia's offensive line and, subsequently, the run game have looked a lot better. DeMarco Murray finished with his first 100+ yard rushing performance last week. The Eagles will need to rely on Murray, Ryan Mathews, andDarren Sproles to get going on the ground in order to score.
On the other side of the ball, the Eagles' defense is playing at a very high level right now. The unit coached by defensive coordinator Bill Davis ranks No. 3 overall by Football Outsiders. The Eagles match up well with Carolina's offensive strength: running the ball. The Panthers lead the league in rushing attempts so Philadelphia's strong run defense will be tested here. Keeping Cam Newton in check as both a runner and passer will also be a big challenge. The Eagles sacked Newton a whopping nine times last season when these two teams played but they obviously won't be able to count on that again.
The Eagles' defense is legit. They should be able to handle the Panthers' offense and keep the game within reach. Philadelphia's offense is much more concerning. Will they be able to score against Carolina's defense? Things could get ugly if Bradford continues to turn the ball over like he has to this point.
