The Philadelphia Eagles return home on Sunday to face the Carolina Panthers, looking to snap a three-game losing streak and get their season back on track.
When: Sunday, October 18th 1PM EST
Where: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
How: CBS
The Panthers arrive in Philadelphia looking to take advantage of an Eagles team that has yet to put together four complete quarters of football. Carolina will try to exploit Philadelphia’s offensive struggles while capitalizing on its opportunities.
The biggest challenge for the Eagles will be getting their offense back on track, controlling the game at home, and playing complementary football for four quarters.
This has become the obvious place to start every Eagles preview. Philadelphia’s offensive line has allowed consistent pressure and struggled to establish the running game. A franchise cornerstone for years is suddenly one of its biggest question marks. If the line can start winning battles, the entire offense will operate with rhythm and efficiency. Their gameplan hinges on the OL winning matchups.
The Panthers are obviously looking to do what the previous defenses have done against Jalen Hurts and the Birds: exploit their vulnerability.
The Eagles need to find ways to help their offensive line. That means using motion, quick passes, misdirection, and creative run concepts to prevent the Panthers from teeing off on the pocket.
Philadelphia also needs to establish a rushing attack. Even if the yards don’t come easily, the Eagles have to make Carolina respect the possibility of a run. Otherwise, the Panthers can focus on pressuring Hurts and forcing him to make plays under duress.
The Eagles should be getting some players back, and they have enough talent to move the football against Carolina. The question is whether the offensive line can give that talent a chance to make an impact.
Philadelphia’s offense needs to find consistency and sustain drives. Everything becomes magnified when the offensive line isn’t winning its battles, and the running game can’t get going. The Eagles must not abandon the run despite its struggles. If they aren't committed to a rushing attack, the offense won't work, and teams will keep punishing them in the second half.
Jalen Hurts cannot be expected to create everything himself. He needs answers built into the game plan, and receivers who can win quickly.
Philadelphia also needs to take advantage of playing at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles should look to establish the tempo, get the crowd involved, and avoid putting their defense in difficult positions through stalled drives and turnovers.
This offense doesn’t need to be special; it needs to be efficient, physical, and consistent enough to put points on the board for an entire four quarters.
The Eagles’ defense needs to make Carolina work for everything. The Panthers will look for opportunities to establish the run, create manageable passing situations, and keep Philadelphia’s pass rush from controlling the game. Philadelphia’s defensive front needs to win early downs, tackle well, and generate pressure without sacrificing coverage.
The Eagles also need to be disciplined against Carolina’s playmakers. Tet McMillian against Quinyon Mitchell should be a fantastic battle all day. Whoever Carolina’s playmakers match up against, the defense must not allow explosive plays or let the Panthers turn short gains into first downs that extend drives.
The defense needs to create negative plays, get off the field on third down, and give the offense opportunities to build a lead. Just as importantly, the Eagles need to avoid letting their defense get worn down. Philadelphia has seen what happens when its defense spends too much time on the field. Complementary football starts with the offense doing its part to sustain drives and give the defense time to recover.
Yes, this is becoming repetitive. That’s because it remains one of the biggest issues facing this team and has only been amplified with the recent offensive line setbacks.
The Eagles have also relied on Jalen Hurts’ unique traits as a runner to exploit defenses. I am unsure whether the calf injury is limiting him or his desire to run, or whether the gameplan doesn’t call for it. Either way, it is one reason for their offensive regression, and they need to weaponize it.
The running game: Philadelphia needs to establish some semblance of a rushing attack. If Carolina doesn’t have to respect the run, it can focus on pressuring Hurts and disrupting the passing game.
Third-down defense: The Eagles need to get off the field. Letting Carolina extend drives will put extra pressure on a Philadelphia offense that needs to find its rhythm. If they can operate without the pressure of being behind and the urgency it puts on players and coaches, it will help negate some mental errors.
Turnovers: The Eagles cannot afford to give Carolina extra possessions or short fields. As Philadelphia has shown the last two weeks, creating turnovers has been a game-changer and what's kept them in the ballgame. It is a simple fact, but winning the turnover battle usually leads to victory.
Philadelphia has to stay ahead of the sticks. They have been in predictable passing situations the last few weeks, and their third-down conversion rate has been embarrassingly low. Sustaining drives obviously helps the offense get into rhythm, but it also benefits a very good defense by keeping it fresh in the fourth quarter.
If the Birds can start winning on third down, they will start winning games.
Philadelphia has been very close to winning two games that not many believed they could compete in, and I believe they respond at home and get back in the win column.
A win wouldn’t erase the concerns surrounding the team, but it would provide a much-needed reset and a chance to regain momentum. The team needs to show growth and be more consistent; if it can, the problems will eventually fade.
When healthy, the Eagles have enough talent to win matchups and stack wins.
Winning will not answer every question or assuage every concern, but right now, it's something they can build on. That's a step in the right direction.
Carolina will be competitive and keep it close, but I have a feeling Philadelphia makes enough plays to leave the field victorious. Maybe I am overly optimistic, but with some playmakers back on the field, I believe the team will surprise with an offensive game plan that will produce points.
What time is kickoff for Panthers vs Eagles?: 1PM EST at Lincoln Financial Field
Will DeVonta Smith play for the Eagles on Sunday? Mike Garafolo noted that both Smitty and Saquon Barkley have the potential to return in week 6, but nothing is confirmed as of yet.
What is the extent of Jalyx Hunt's injury? It's not yet known, although Vic Fangio told reporters that 'it would be miraculous' for him to play this weekend.
MORE: Have the Eagles created an offensive death spiral?
