Two teams on somewhat opposite ends of the spectrum with the Philadelphia Eagles and Carolina Panthers met up at Lincoln Financial Field for Week 6. The Panthers were onn the mend and getting some of their previously injured starters back, while the Eagles continue to be hit with the injury bug. Already missing star running back Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia was rocked by the loss of quarterback Jalen Hurts to a superficial blood clot in his calf. Still, Carolina came to the “City of Brotherly Love” still missing their starting cornerback duo of Mike Jackson and Jaycee Horn eager to build on their big Sunday Night Football two weeks prior. Third-year head coach Dave Canales was 0-2 after the bye and looking to establish some consistency; especially on the road. Keys to doing so would include getting the Philly crowd out of the game early and defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero calling an aggressive game like he did against the Detroit Lions.
The game started out much like the Week 4 game ended, with Carolina bringing the pressure. Linebacker Bobby Okereke sacked Tanner McKee on the first play from scrimmage setting up a three-and-out. The Eagles went on to punt on their first eight possessions of the game. While it wasn’t expected that the Panthers offense would manhandle this Eagles defense, the 149 penalty yards certainly did not do them any favors.
Punt returner Trevor Etienne looked solid in his first game action of the season after spending the first four weeks on injured reserve. However some of his bigger returns were negated by special teams penalties. Carolina’s offense managed only one third down conversion in the first half, but they clung to a 10-7 lead at the half. Tight end Tommy Tremble scored two touchdowns, while running back Chuba Hubbard rushed for 120 yards and a score. Jalen Coker led a balanced receiving corp with 97 yards. Tetairoa McMillan added 86 yards and Tremble pulled in four catches for 46 yards. Quarterback Bryce Young was 20-of-39 for 281 yards and two touchdowns with no turnovers. On the defensive side of the ball, Okereke led the way with eight tackles.
While Carolina improves to 3-2 on the season with the 25-14 win, the reeling Eagles drops their fourth straight game. McKee was 26-of-45 for 215 yards and one touchdown. Running back Dameon Pierce and wide receiver DeVonta Smith scored Philly’s two touchdowns. Smith pulled in seven catches for 75 yards. The Panthers head back home to Charlotte to host NFC South division foe Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 7.
