Week six of the NFL is upon us. It feels like only yesterday that the Eagles ripped into the core of the Cardinals Defense…and that’s because the Birds are on a short week. The Carolina challenge is undoubtedly one of the toughest Pederson and company have faced so far…but who comes out on top? It’s time to ask our writers.
Liam “Cup of Tea” Jenkins: 3-1
The Eagles and Panthers are two Giants in the NFC this season, but there have been questions surrounding both. The Panthers breakout came at the disposal of a putrid Patriots Defense, while the Eagles have risen to the occasion each and every week, but with little in the way to overcome their newly found offensive strength, running the ball dominantly.
This is a stalemate for both teams. it’s going to be a game of attrition and overall confidence and right now Carson Wentz holds the advantage over Cam Newton. Yes, Cam Newton arguably has more at his disposal schematically, but the athletic quarterback has never really proved to be a stable arm in clutch situations or when the pressure is on. This game will be won and lost in the trenches and for me, the poise of Carson Wentz will be what sends the Eagles to a mid-week win.
Eagles 34 Panthers 27
Quentin “Not LeGarrette” Blount 2-1
The Eagles and Panthers have both been red-hot as of late. This matchup on a short week will tell us a lot about the resiliency and focus of the Eagles’ players and coaches alike.
Expect the Eagles to pressure Cam all day long. And, just as importantly, look for the Eagles’ secondary to make big plays, against some big wide receivers. I am looking forward to seeing Fletch return to action, and seeing where Jim Schwartz where primarily play Patrick Robinson. He has looked great both in the slot, and last week, on the corner.
On defense, the Eagles have to pressure Cam and put some hits on him, but they also need to play with discipline and contain against a tricky offense. On offense, I expect the Eagles’ run-game to remain functional, especially with Smallwood back. I think they will take some shots against a solid Carolina defense, and in the end, will do just enough to come out on top of a close game.
Eagles 27 Panthers 20
Chris “Has the best sounding name of any of our writers” Coviello 4-0
The Eagles roll into Carolina for a week 6 battle with the 4-1 Panthers. Philly is coming off of their drubbing of the Cardinals while the Panthers narrowly defeated the Lions on the road. The Eagles have been rolling offensively with a new found running game that is eating up time of possession. Carson Wentz keeps getting better and more efficient every time out. The defense has been very good, especially in run defense. They need to limit the big plays in the secondary because the Panthers boast a basketball team of a receiving corps with Kelvin Benjamin and an emerging Devin Funchess.
For the Panthers, Cam Newton has been rolling. Even though his last 2 performances were against 2 of the weaker pass defenses in the league (Pats, Lions), Cam has looked like his MVP self from 2 years ago. Even without Greg Olsen, the Panthers have versatile weapons offensively. Jonathan Stewart is a hammer and Christian McCaffrey is a matchup nightmare in the backfield. The front 7 on D is upper echelon. Luke Kuechly and Kawann Short are 2 of the best players at their positions in the league.
Playing on a short week on the road is a tough task, especially going against a team that is playing as well as the Panthers are right now. Potentially playing without Fletcher Cox is tough but we’ve seem how drastically things change when Lane Johnson isn’t in the lineup. Lane is listed as” out “Thursday night and the offense will suffer as a result. This one should be a slug fest that comes down to the final couple of possessions.
