Eagles-Panthers Reflection

The Mark Sanchez led Philadelphia Eagles came to play Monday night, thumping the Carolina Panthers 45-21.  Joining the starting quarterback, was a defense that recorded nine sacks, recovered two fumbles, snagged three interceptions and returned one for a touchdown, a full course meal for the Billy Davis coached unit.  Darren Sproles represented the special teams as well, wowing his coaches, teammates and fan base on his 65 yard punt return for a touchdown.

The Eagles came to play, and they won with a game plan that most thought they would attack with a bit differently.  There was no easing Sanchez into the mix with a three headed approach running the football.  McCoy and Sproles both scored rushing touchdowns, but on the night the team averaged less than two yards per carry.  Rookie Jordan Matthews had his second multi touchdown game of his rookie season, while Brent Celek had more receiving yards last night than he had previously recorded “all season.”  Sure, there were some early throws that Sanchez probably wished he could have back, and he almost was intercepted on the one throw, but the guy had a really good game after a long layoff from starting in the NFL.

Connor Barwin and company should pay for the ice that Cam Newton will be bathing in for the next couple of days; they punished him relentlessly and made a big bodied man look rather small.  There were so many different combinations of stunts, twists and delays that the front seven executed, each player staying contained with their assignment allowing for the “team” to execute so successfully.  The big question on how Casey Mathews would handle the play-calling duties that Ryans left behind is rather hard to decipher how he really did with a team performance like last night.  The one thing I can take away is that any respectable tight-end the Eagles face moving forward, maybe reconsideration for who you assign to cover him should be given some thought.

What I take from this performance is that the Eagles will continue to remain a scoring threat anytime they are on the football field.  The offense is only one way for this team to score; as they are currently on pace to break the thirteen touchdown mark scored by the defensive and special team units.

Although the secondary played well for most of the evening; the Panthers really only had two weapons to throw to, and both had really good football games, even if the touchdowns by Benjamin came late in the football game.  The next game on the schedule is the most difficult combination of quarterback and receiving threats that our secondary will has faced and will see during the regular season.

If you listened to the way Chip sounded during his post-game interview, his wording sounds similar to Barwin and Sanchez.  The way this team believes in themselves as a “team,” the message that the coach has instilled in his football team since taking the job last season is absolutely being heard.

They approach each game with a very detailed plan of execution, and no fingers are pointed when things don’t go as planned, responsibility is taken by the players, and the next task at hand is immediately the focus.

There is not a single coach or player that feels the team is playing good football, they accept the win and will provide you a list of all of the plays they wish they could have back, suggesting that film, reps and the rest of the week will be spent correcting those mental and executional errors.

We are not alone with our expectations of this football team; they have a vision that matches ours, win.

The next opponent is the Green Bay Packers; a team that also blew out their opponent on prime time television in week 10.

How does your confidence feel from what fired you up last night to the test facing the Eagles as they prep for their visit to Lambeau Field on Sunday?