Eagles-Panthers Recap: Drops Doom Birds In Loss
By Pat Roach
Oct 25, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Sam Bradford (7) reacts on the sidelines in the fourth quarter. The Panthers defeated the Falcons 27-16 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Drops, a poor performance on both fronts, and poor play-calling doomed the Philadelphia Eagles in their week 7 tilt with the Carolina Panthers. Here’s the recap:
First Quarter
The Panthers win the toss and defer, giving the ball to the Eagles to start the game. DeMarco Murray asserts himself early, tearing off a pair of impressive runs to start off the drive. Darren Sproles narrowly misses a big gain after tripping over Matt Tobin two plays later. A false start erases a completion to Zach Ertz and on the ensuing 3rd and 11, Sam Bradford is sacked by Mario Addison who beats Jason Peters on the play. The Eagles punt, but it’s encouraging to see the run game gaining some momentum against a formidable front.
Cam Newton takes over and, in shades of this past Monday, quickly goes downfield for the score. A Johnathan Stewart first down carry results in a possible fumble recovered by the Eagles. Cedric Thornton comes up with it, but the referees rule that it’s the Panthers ball. Confusing play. Stewart rips off a big run on the following play and Newton fires a bullet for Corey Brown who hauls it in despite absorbing a big hit from Nolan Carroll. On 1st and Goal, Mike Tolbert plows in for the touchdown. 7-0, Carolina.
The Eagles start their drive on their 20 yard line. The first pass is behind Jordan Matthews, and it clangs of his hands for the interception. Poor placement by Sam Bradford and another drop for Matthews.
Carolina takes over and Newton fires another strike. This time, Carroll pops the ball out and secures it as he’s rolling to the ground for the interception. After some deliberation the Eagles are awarded possession. Huge play by Carroll reminiscent of DeMeco Ryans interception from a week ago.
The Eagles regain possession in the shadow of their own end zone. On 3rd down Bradford finds Miles Austin to extend the drive. A few plays later Ryan Mathews catches a pass in the flat and shoots upfield, posterizing a defensive back in the process. Sam Bradford takes a sack on second to bring up a 3rd and long. That’s far from the worst of it, however, as Jason Peters is down and in pain. The replay shows somewhat of a non-contact injury. The cart comes out to pick up Peters. Huge blow. The drive ends on the next play when Bradford and Murray can’t hook up with the QB under duress. Punt.
Note: Jason Peters was determined to be suffering from back spasms and did not return. His long term outlook is an unknown at this time.
The Panthers take over at their own 11, and Cam hits another pass downfield, this time to Greg Olsen to set them up around midfield. Mychal Kendricks brings pressure up the middle and pulls down Newton for the sack. On 3rd and long the pocket collapses and Newton fires high and wide for Ted Ginn. Good stand.
The Eagles get the ball and dink and dunk a bit on their way to midfield, leading to the end of the 1st quarter.
Next: Second Quarter