Game Preview – PHI at CAR

Posted: October 10th, 2021 | Author: | Filed under: Philadelphia Eagles | Comments Off on Game Preview – PHI at CAR

Sunday’s game between the Eagles and Panthers is important for a few reasons. First, the Eagles need a win. They have dropped three straight games and are in the middle of a tough stretch of games. This game feels winnable so it is imperative for the Eagles to come out on top. A win would get them to 2-3.

Getting to 2-3 would keep the Eagles in the playoff hunt. Many of you will roll your eyes and question why I’m even bringing up the playoffs. Coaches and players want to win. They want to get into the playoffs, even with an ugly record. While you and I are fine with a mediocre year and getting a high pick, guys like Jason Kelce, Fletcher Cox and Rodney McLeod want to get to the postseason. And in the NFL, you aren’t out of it until you are mathematically out of it.

Beyond winning and losing, this game will be a test for a lot of people.

The Panthers have the #3 defense in the league. How will Nick Sirianni do in coming up with a gameplan to attack this group? Against the bad defenses of the Falcons and Chiefs, the Eagles scored 30 or more points and moved the ball very well. Against the Niners and a stout defense, the Eagles struggled. It will be interesting to see how the Eagles attack Carolina and if they are successful.

The Panthers blitz more than any other team in the league. That will be a good test for Jalen Hurts. He did well against the Chiefs blitz last week, but that defense is struggling in a big way. Carolina will be a much tougher test. Hurts has to read the blitz correctly and then make good decisions.

The Eagles will have a different OL group today.

LT Andre Dillard
LG Landon Dickerson
C Jason Kelce
RG Jack Driscoll
RT Jordan Mailata

How will Dillard do against Carolina’s speed rushers and their blitz attack?

How will Driscoll do at RG? This will be his first NFL start at OG.

How will Mailata do at RT? Would you ever consider a long term plan of Dillard at LT and Mailata at RT?

Jonathan Gannon will be under a microscope today. His defense has given up 75 points in the past two games. They didn’t force a single punt last week. Sirianni had some tough talks with Gannon and the defensive coaching staff.

It will be interesting to see how Gannon shakes things up today. One of the big topics this week was the limited production of Cox. Will Gannon blitz more to get better matchups for Cox? Will Cox get moved around?

LB play has been a major disappointment so far. Davion Taylor is healthy today so you wonder if he’ll get more snaps. Gannon has to do something to try to get better play and more production from the middle of his defense.

Overall, the Eagles are healthy.

Carolina is 3-1, but they’ve played a weak schedule. Dallas was their first real test and the Cowboys beat them 36-28.

Sam Darnold isn’t Patrick Mahomes or Dak Prescott so the Eagles defense better look a lot better today.

This game is an opportunity. The coaches can show that they can identify and solve problems. The players can show progress. And some players will have the chance to show if they can handle new spots/challenges.

There is a huge difference between 1-4 and 2-3, especially with Tampa on the schedule for Thursday night. The Eagles need to play well and win this game.

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