Two teams on somewhat opposite ends of the spectrum, the Philadelphia Eagles and Carolina Panthers, met up at Lincoln Financial Field for Week 6. The Panthers were on the mend and getting some of their previously injured starters back. Meanwhile, the Eagles continue to be hit with the injury bug.

Already missing star running back Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia then lost quarterback Jalen Hurts to a superficial blood clot in his calf. Still, Carolina came to the “City of Brotherly Love” without its starting cornerback duo of Mike Jackson and Jaycee Horn. Even so, the Panthers were eager to build on their big Sunday Night Football performance 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. In addition, defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero needed to call an aggressive game like he did against the Detroit Lions.

Carolina Brings the Pressure

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. In fact, the Eagles went on to punt on their first eight possessions of the game.

Nobody expected the Panthers offense to manhandle this Eagles defense. Still, 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, special teams penalties wiped out some of his bigger returns. Carolina’s offense managed only one third down conversion in the first half, but it clung to a 10-7 lead at the half.

Panthers Spread the Ball Around

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 corps 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.

Eagles Keep Sliding

With the 25-14 win, Carolina improves to 3-2 on the season, while the reeling Eagles drop 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.

Next, the Panthers head back home to Charlotte to host NFC South division foe Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 7.