Will the Eagles make it 2-0 for Monday Night Football games this season? Certainly an easier task at home versus a slumping Carolina team that looks to be fading rather quickly. This is the same Panthers team that last year surprised many by winning the NFC South, and it started with the dominant play of the defense.
The Eagles are deploying a new starting quarterback, yet another opportunity to take charge of being the signal caller due to an injury. Since McNabb was traded, Vick had his shot once Kolb went down, Foles stepped in when Vick went down, and now Sanchez relieves Foles. Not exactly the way you draw up how you determine the starting quarterback to a football team; but it is what it is.
Just a few weeks ago, the Eagles stepped up when the lights shinned over Lincoln Financial Field for a prime time Sunday night game. The opportunity is theirs for the taking once again.
OFFENSE
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton has missed time this season and is probably playing through some injuries, and has been the dual threat like seasons past. Minus the play of rookie wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin and the career statistical producing season of veteran tight-end Greg Olsen, this team has been a major disappointment on the offensive side of the football. They will start whoever is healthy at running back, but their biggest running threat is still Cam, even if he not at full speed.
The Eagles will be led by Mark Sanchez; and welcome back Evan Mathis to the offensive line. The combination of the two and the way the Saints ran the football through the Panthers defense last week, gives me the feeling that Chip would like run the football, and run it a lot. McCoy has been better over the last four games, yardage wise, he is not finding the end-zone and hasn’t done so since week two in Indianapolis.
I would have to believe that the well timed throw from Sanchez to Matthews last week was the result of the many reps together with the second unit during training camp. Matthews is still finding his way, but he has more upside then the overpaid Riley Cooper, and I’m fine seeing an increase with third rounder Josh Huff as the second half of the season progresses. A three headed attack with the running backs, getting Ertz back involved in the passing game and add more snaps for the rookie wide receivers could make the job easier for Sanchez. Let his job be to get the ball in the hands of the playmakers and minimize turnovers by being asked to do too much.
DEFENSE
There is no way that the loss of defensive end Greg Hardy can excuse how the Panthers went from a unit that could single handedly win football games, to being one that offenses barely fear. A ton of talent remains from last year, but they aren’t getting the job done. Kuechly remains as a guy that will be involved in anything the defense brings, but there will be space and opportunities for the Eagles.
How much will the loss of Demeco Ryans be? Casey Matthews is being talked up by both his coaching staff and his teammates as guy who is ready for the role that he is being asked to fill. As with most things with Chip, I’m going to be patient and see how it works out and not base everything on the past. The Eagles will really have to game plan for two offensive threats in Olsen and Benjamin; I can’t see old reliable Jason Avant taking it to his former team.
PREDICTION
-Double digit victory for the Eagles
-The first interception for an Eagles cornerback this season
-Sanchez does not “butt fumble” or fumble at all.
Eagles 34 Panthers 23
After watching all the local broadcasts here in the desert ,it appears the Cards may have suffered a huge gut shot,as Carson Palmer is assumed badly injured …The Packers made cheese whizz out of the Bears …Seattle still looks in a funk ..San Fran still has a heart beat..next week Detroit will play the cards so one will lose ..This Sanchez Monday night game has huge playoff implications ..The Eagles are 1-2 favorites to win the NFC east ..the cards still have a daunting schedule ,and have given hope to the NFC west ..Home field all throughout the playoffs is in the sight lines of this Eagles squad..Jeff you fail to mention special teams ..that’s a huge omission ,as I feel it ,it’s there ,that this game is determined …field position and turnovers are the keystone victories..don’t butt fumble away my playoffs ,and get after Cam Newton ,not allowing him to get in any rhythm..with another prime time domination the nation will be watching the Eagles as the potential number one seed …in the NFC …the soap opera continues …
Since I line inNC I see this Panther Team quite a bit,
Their Offense is one of the worst in the NFL
Their left side of the OL has an undrafted LG
And a 1st Year Player from Canada at LT who
Goes about 285 lbs… Couple this with Cam Newtons
Continual holding of the Ball the Eagles Oass-Rush should get gone early and often.. The Panthers OL gets very little push up front and the Panthers RB’s
Lack explosion or heart to hit what few holes they open..
Defensively, the Safetues are very poor in pass Defense forcing their LB’s to drop depose than most Teams leaving slants, drag routs open all night
Safety Roman Harper is about 37 years old and cannot cover past 20 yards down field..
The Panthers Kicker & Punter are very good
But their coverage Teams are very poor,
Their return game is very bad also, expect Punt a Returner
Philly Brown to fumble at least once.,,
This is perhaps the easiest Win on Eagles Schedule
In the 2nd half as Season
If Eagles protect the Ball, force Cam Newton to have to drive the length of
The field, it will be a laugher
Eagles 33- Panthers 13
I expect McCoy,Sproles,Maclin,Ertz & Matthews
With Sanchez at the helm all to have nice Games
Defensively, Cole,Graham,Curry & Barwin & Cox
& Kendricks to win many one on one Battles
If the Eagles tackle Newton like they did Ryan Fitzpatrick, he will have a chance at one or two plays tonight.
However I think its a laugher tonight as well. Davis should be able to easily confuse Newton with multiple scheme blitzes.
Cant leave Benjamin one on one on the left side or anywhere near Allen or we wont hear the end of it from Big lol.
35-10.
I think we see Matt Barkley tonight in mop up.
This place will be on fire if Sanchez plays turnover free.
All i care about is 7-2
LOL, Eagles 31-17 in a game that should be easier then it’ll be and Izell Benjamin’s gonna get his regardless against this secondary.
Biglion Nostradamous! XD
Pman…izzy…I hope you’re both correct ..I’m a bit more concerned about Matthews on dee ..will anyone be spying on Cam? I hope chip ,doesn’t try too hard to over impress on national tv and minimizes sanchez ,by pounding the rock 30 plus times…
Eagles win big. Newton on the road against the Birds pass rush. Wipeout.
40 Eagles handoffs. Keep Sanchez from throwing the ball. 30-13.
the eagles weakness is the size of their middle linebackers and slot corner and their lack of pop from their safeties. Olsen 6-6, Benjamin 6-5, Dickson 6-4 in the middle of the birds zone in front of the Safeties is the weakness. Panthers should clog the middle with their big pass receiving options and run Cam to the flats if they double that area.
I expect Cam Newton to Rush 8-10 times of Designed Read-Option Keepers, plus a few times when Scrambling from the Eagles Pass-Rush–
They do a real quick fake dive, then Newton sprints out to the left edge for an easy 5-6-8 Yards.. Eagles OLB’s & DE’s need to contain the Edges
No need for tricks against the Carolina defense. Run straight ahead. The Caroline front 7 is poor and weak and can be bulled.
Actually the FDront 7 is the Strength of the Panthers D
DT’s Dwan Edwards,Star Lotuleile, Kwann Short probably form one of the best DT Group as far as Stopping the Run and Pass Rushing from the Inside LB’s L Kuechley & Thomas Davis cover a lot of ground and are decent in Pass-Coverages
The Edges can be had on the Panthers Defense as both DE Charles Johnson, Wes Horton, M Addison & rookie Kony Ealy tend to crash down the Line of Scrimmage quite a bit and leave the Edges open
The Middle of the Field and Deep Routes should be there most of the Game for Eagles to attack, but I see McCoy having big success turning the Corners on either side, especially around the right side around Lane Johnson’s side
really ? every time I saw the Panthers play; I see them getting gashed in the running game behind on the scoreboard and can’t get the ball back and it is right up the gut.
Arent the Panthers ranked 32nd vs the run?
Paulman, who is the Panthers’ slot nickle cornerback?
Nick Foles likes to play in the flats with outs, digs and flags.
Mark Sanchez likes to play in the Seams with ins and slants. Translation Jordan Matthews should be a monster with Mark Sanchez as the QB. I expect Jordan Matthews to be the number passing option with Mark Sanchez as the QB in the 2nd half of the season. Matthews will get 100 yards and 10 receptions tonight.
Their Starters are Josh Norman and Melvin White who are Young, very aggressive but can be had on double moves and Deep Routes
They have been using Veteran Antoine Cason as the nickle back as he lost his Starters Job to Melvin White and a
Rookie Draft Pick Bene Benwikre has seen more snaps as the Season has gone along… This Benwirke looks like he’s going to be a nice player for them and probably a Starter down the Road
Safeties are Roman Harper and Thomas DeCoud who are both good against the Run, but not very strong in Pass-Coverage
They will play Rookie Tre Boston a lot at Free-Safety in Passing Situations who was a 4th Round Draft Pick out of UNC last Draft and who appears to be grooming for a Starter Next Year for them..
The TE’s, Slot WR’s and Deep Routes should be there for the Eagles most of the Game if the Eagles can show that they can Run the Ball
That is the most important passing game matchup then ( Jordan Matthews vs Antoine Cason) I don’t think much of Mark Sanchez and believe he will always throw to the closest wide receiver to him. I think Jordan Matthews will get 8-10 targets a game for the remainder of the season becoming the birds number one passing option.
Welcome Mathis back with a comitment to running the ball. With the loss of Ryan’s I want to see this offense take some pressure off of the defense and run the ball and have some susutained drives. When the safeties start creeping up you then target Maclin and Matthews. And when they start throwing blitzes you use Sproles in a screen. But it all starts with the run game, and limiting turnovers.
Game Day…..GO BIRDS !!!!
The Panthers would be idiots if they didnt load the box and make Sanchez try and beat them over the top.
Sanchez should test the perimeter tonight on the read option. I think Kelly will give plenty opportunities in that for future teams to be wary of to gameplan.
The defense should THRIVE tonight.
35-10 should be defense oriented turnovers and STs. I think the 3 heade monster puts up points on short fields.
THEY NEED THIS GAME.
Next week starts the monster mash of a schedule.
Bill Polian was the ESPN radio answer for the Texan/Eagle game and he said the read option bootleg QB keeper was open all day. He said Sanchez could of had like 6 double digit running plays in Houston. He also said that Sanchez was probably told don’t run since they didn’t have another active QB on the sideline. So you might be right and Sanchez gains 30 yards running tonight.
oops, radio announcer
****Paulman Rumor***
The Phillies to pursue and Sign Free-Agent OF Nick Markakis of the Orioles..
Back to Eagles Football…
Phillies got an early holiday gift when AJ Burnett declined his player option for 13 million. The MLB leader in losses ( 18) declined 13 million? what luck!!!!
AJ Burnett is going to Retire and hang them up.. (which is what he should have done last year) Phil’s to Sign 3 PItchers, an 1 OF this Free-Agency
OF – Nick Markakis
Starting RHP – Jason Hammel
Starting RHP – Justin Masterson
Relief Pitcher – Luke Gregerson
I got excited until I saw “paulman rumor”– damn!
he is a solid player.
I could list it as a “Haveacigar Rumor” but it just doesn’t sound right..
Just saw on PFT the cowboys have started a smear campaign on Dez… It was ‘leaked’ that the cops have been to his house like 6 times in 4 years. Guy is in fact probably a POS but damn he can play…. I have a feeling the Boys may do some imploding in December!
With the Cowboys it’s a smear campaign but Desean’s gang ties bullcrap was all the NJ times, Eagles had nothing to do with that. LOL I couldn’t resist Cigar.
good one bro– hey with millions on the line, cooperate america is not above a good smear campaign! I think Dez may make desean look like a choir boy! but he is also a much more dynamic receiver! —
The cowboys will franchise him, he will bitch about it, hold out but report late probably…
“Corporate America” you mean HAC..
Auto correct !
The only issue for the Eagles tonight is that every “expert” and TV talking head has picked the Eagles tonight.
TV talking heads are idiots, and anyone who thinks they are an expert….aren’t.
Bad sign when everyone is on one side of a game. That being said, can’t really blame them for not thinking the Panthers have a chance….still, its a little disconcerting.
God though….All these guys declaring the Panthers have no chance were the same guys at the beginning of the year calling them potential division winners and SB contenders.
I knew they were going to suck.
You want to hear how bad the NFC South is this Year,
When the Panthers lose tonight, the Falcons are only 1 Game back of them and the Saints…
The only way the Eagles lose is if they have no focus and come out flat and i just don’t see that happening with a Coach Kelly Team and with Sanchez’s first start in 2 Years so you know he’s pumped.. You have some players looking to increase their Stats and licking their chops…
This like most of the Sunday/Monday and Thursday Night Games have been real clunkers with most of the National Audience have already tuned out by Halftime in many of these lopsided games.. I sense a Marcus Smith and a Matt Barkley Sighting tonight
I am still wrapping my head around rooting for Sanchez…and actually thinking he will do well in this offense. If he does….like I have been saying…IN CHIP I TRUST…
The amount of crap I gave my Jets friends when he was at the helm….
Goodness gracious.
I concur on this right here, I will never ever ever bad mouth Kelly again if Sanchez runs this offense and doesn’t miss a beat. I just can’t get the TD to pick ratio out of my brain.
You’re not the only one.
However a buddy of mine brought a really good comparison.
Rich Gannon.
Eerily similar styles and Gannon was HORRIBLE…his rebirth second part of his career was after he healed up some injuries and sat out a while.
We can only hope.
I would take a Brad Johnson type Superbowl win.
Problem is we don’t have a Brad Johnson type defense.
Y except Gannon didn’t “mature” until he was about 33 years old and on his 4th team.
I write the weekly commissioners report for my fantasy league, and each and every week it contained a Sanchez rip of some sort for the one Jets guy we have. (since replaced by now constant Geno/Vick rips).
I still find it very difficult to envision him doing well….but we’ll see.
Again, I hope for 45 runs 25 passes tonight.
2009 draft —
#5 Mark Sanchez
#14 Malcolm Jenkins
#19 Jeremy Maclin
#28 Eric Wood (pick used to trade for for Jason Peters)
#46 Connor Barwin
#53 LeSean McCoy
#66 Bradley Fletcher
#152 James Casey
OUTSTANDING WORK EOS lol
That is awesome.
Think we would have been better off with Eric Wood. Lol
I think Chips offense is so good he can take any QB, aside from Vick and win a lot of games. That being said, come playoff time, this could be a 1 and done team.
Paulman’s Mock Draft for 2015 (#3)
1st Rd – WR Jaelen Strong (Arizona State 6-4 212lbs)
2nd Rd – ILB Denzel Peryman (Miami 5-11 245lbs)
3rd Rd – Safety Jaqueze Tartt (Samford 6-1 218lbs)
4th Rd (from Buffalo) – Guard Jarvis Harrison (Texas A&M 6-3 325lbs)
4th Rd – CB Steve Nelson (Oregon State 5-11 195lbs)
5th Rd – WR Vince Mayle (Washington St 6-3 220lbs)
6th Rd – OLB Maurice Falls (East Carolina 6-3 250lbs)
7th Rd – CB Julian Wilson (Oklahoma 6-2 201lbs)
Paul…that would be a solid draft. I have been checking the kid Tartt out for a few weeks. He reminds me of Johnathan Cyprien. I keep saying…do not be surprised if the Eagles go wr in the first round. Jaelen strong would definitely be a target.
I like Perryman too.
I am also looking at safety Gerod Holliman from Louisville. He has 13 interceptions this season. 6’1″ 212, He just knows how to play
Yes that Hollinan at Louisvilke looks like the real did..
I think he’s better than Pryor was at the College level..
13 Int’s is gotta be close for Record with a few games still left to play..
There’s another DE/OLB on Louisville who name escapes me
Having a strong Season.
Previous HC Strong could recruit done Talent
Me hen at Loyisvilke
WR DaVante Parker and RB Dominique Brown
Will be playing Sundays as well next Year also..
Yes eagleshas..im a huge fsu fan..and that game when he had like 2 picks..and almost got another. I looked him up after i heard he had 10..i was like this kid is a ballhawk.and has good size for a safety.
I would select Eric Rowe CB 6’1″ 201 Utah in the 4th.
Then Laken Tomlison G Duke 6’3″ 320 with the second 4th rd pick.
I like both of them as well
There’s a big CB at USC also who looks good in
That 4th Roubd as well..
We all saw the Jets manhandle the Steelers so are no locks in NFL. If I’m Carolina (and I live in South Carolina and see the Panthers a bunch), I make Sanchez beat me by loading the box and stopping the run as best I can. I do think Sanchez can beat them. Carolina does not have scary players on offense. Benjamin is good but the ball has to be thrown to him and he drops his fair share. I predict 23-13 Birds.
Our qb is Sanchez this is gonna be a really tough game to win with him. I got Eagles winning 27-24.
Got a huge bet on panthers team total over 20.5. I believe Eagles have given up 20+ in about 20 of their last 24
Also betting cam first td of the game +1350.
Go birds
But I’m scared of Sanchez
I want to take The Eagles, but Sanchize -7 is too much I think. I have to see him with a start before I can do that.
The MNF “over” (in fact most prime time game “overs”) have been paying well since the league decided it wanted high scoring games on national tv a few years back.
The issue with that is….sorry Mhenski…I have no faith the Panthers can uphold their end of the scoring bargain. They have no line, they can’t run, there are no wrs and Newton stinks. 10, 17, 9, 10…last for games against decent teams. Sure they put up points against Cinci and Chicago…but those teams are horrible.
I would never bet Newton on getting the (or any) td.
What are the odds of him being shown on TV slumped with the towel over his head?
“cause I’ll take that bet every day of the week.
Plus I think the Eagles are going to run the ball all night.
Panthers have Scored 10 , 9 & 17 Points
There last 3 Games..
If LT Bell is out again and they have play Foucher from
Canada pkaying at LT, then Cam and their Offense is in serious trouble
Only Eagle Turnovers keep Panthers in this one
I am actually really geeked for this game. There is a lot of interest here.
Historical averages vs “rebirth in the Kelly system”
Can you not see the storylines tomorrow? Can they not fall either of two ways?
1 – Sanchez has a great night and tomorrow’s NY papers just roll with the “stupid Jets” headlines. Gave up on Sanchez for Geno and Vick – who are the idiots running this team?
2 – Big lights get to Sanchez and he falls flat. National and Philly media roll with “That’s what you get for putting your faith in the Sanchize! There’s a reason NY let him go!”
Exciting. I suppose he could have a 60% 200 yrds 1 td 0 int performance that flies under the radar….but that would be too freekin’ boring for my liking.
ESPN reports Mike Vick thinks the Jets would have more wins if he was the starting QB from week one. LOL
Desean Jackson addresses team in meeting backing RG3 to quite any noise about the locker room not supporting RG3 in the Media. That is funny but this is funnier——-> Redskins coach Jay Gruden said Jackson usually just “sits there with his hoodie on.”
oops typing too fast — quiet
What was so funny?
That being said…this is a complete “must win” for the Birds.
And by must win…they cannot lose to an inferior team at home – esp in a primetime game.
Carolina is completely inferior + they shot their wad a couple weeks back against Seattle – and still lost. They followed that up getting humiliated by the Saints.
This isn’t like on the road against Ariz. That was on the road against an equal (or perhaps superior) team. This is at home against an inferior team. Can’t give up this W.
Eagles must win this because its off to GB and that buzzsaw next week. Creampuff against Tenny before short week Dallas to start the murderer’s row of Dall, Sea, Dall.
Lost this game and its troubs….esp with Seattle, GB winning, and SF pulling that horseshoe out their ass to keep the wildcard heat on.
Detroit pulled 3 horseshoes out of their rear end 3 weeks in a row too.
Is it me, I was just thinking that it seems the Eagles
Pkay the Bears every f’n year but this year..
What’s the deal.. Ha
I think Kelly has Sanchez come out and firing bullets to
Soften the Panthers up with play-actions,
Quick passes and a deep shot or two in the first
2-2 series, then look to pound the Rockin the
2nd half as Panthers front 7 gets pooped out
The do play about 7-8 DL and have some young guys
So it may take a little while to get them on their heels
A bit..
Will he butt fumble our hearts? Or will he shine ,like a new car? Oh shit ..the drama queen of all time with Arod..in the apple is under center ..I’m in the barko..lounger ,plus az being a legal state I’m ready for heady self meds…go BIRDS …think what sanchez is shouldering …intense opportunity…I’m with ya guy..
20 million reasons he shines like a Lamborghini..
All Sanchez has to do is keep the turnovers to under three and its status quo.
I’ll be watching with binocs …Mathis early ..Mathis Kelce …as a tandem ..rolling sanchez..we haven’t seen that tandem all year as a chemistry..it’s like mixology …it will be interesting to see all the moving parts..and what did practice with the ones ..mean for mark..I agree with all the consensus ..he will have to fight his own ego and not let the bright lights blind his judgement ..he’s (coach) had a few butt fumble calls..call a clean game and win the turnover battle we win the game easily..I can see a sanchez line 15for 23 as a great night and one pick ..236 yds..2 td…that’s a sure thing ..if he’s sprinkled with green fairy dust 4 tds..I’ll be looking for Jeffrey to grab his pen..let’s hope ..even songs would buy into that …imagine songs you get to root for your quarterback …ain’t life grand?
I expect Casey Matthews to have a good game.
So far ..so good he’s a beast 🙂
The mark sanchez era is so far very boring!
Sanchez had Matthews didn’t lead him enough and allow defender time to make a play.. Then A good Pass to Sproles
Who didn’t get hid hands out front to bring it in..
Eagles need to stop him here and get the ball back..
Can’t keep these guys hanging around
Sanchez is throwing fastballs
If sproles ain’t the truth I don’t know what is
Brandon Graham needs to replace Trent Cole as a full time
Starter at OLB opposite of Connor Barwin..
Weaselman fucked up trading for sproles! God damn guy can’t do shit right!
Eagles front office don’t know what they are doing..I mean all those special teams pickups etc weren’t big moves…
However… They didn’t win the off season
Special Teams doing it again…
I called for Speoles to have a big night and he’s off to a huge start
Here’s your casey Matthews…let’s be real …they need upgrade that now..scheme it or get him off the field.
Eagles front office don’t know what they are doing Connor Barwin is just a guy….
GmFoolCliff
The steal acquisition of the Off-Season
Was Darren Sproles for a 5th Round Draft
Pick to the Saints
GM Roseman should win GM of the Year for that heist
This is how this offense is supposed to be run.
Songs the offense has been running like this since week five of last year
com on guy…look how fast that ball is coming out…Slow foles is shit.
Foles has been VERY unsuccessful you are right.. If only he could set records and record some wins
Lol…you waited for Sanchez to start making plays to begin posting.
Boy, Sanchez has settled in and has gotten into a nice rhythm..
He’s just Atleticism and quick enough to do these roll-outs or fake read-options a good 2-3 steps quicker than Foles can which is the difference
Of a receiver being open and hitting them in stride..
This is Sanchez biggest strength which is ball handling and being decisive with the ball where you don’t neccessarily need a big arm to move this
Offense and which is why I thought and stated that Sanchez would
Be a good fit for Kelky’s uptempo, read and react and get the ball out to your Playmakers
Sanchez looks confidant, decisive, his mechanics are great. He is accurate, and has great vision of the field.
Now we see how good Jordan Matthews really is.
No more forcing Cooper bullshit.
Sanchez been throwing to Matthews all year
ya he seems to be the only one who can catch those fast balls.
Billy Davis seems overwhelmed
C’mon Kelce, get those snaps right..
I never want to see slow Foles again….
Our red zone is the shit now also.