Eagles Week 7 Preview: Controlling Carolina

Oct 19, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back DeMarco Murray (29) reacts after a 12 yard touchdown run against the New York Giants during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

After their win over the New York Giants, the Philadelphia Eagles have reached a five hundred record at 3-3 and have taken first place in the NFC East. The game itself was a Monday showdown where those watching found themselves wondering if either of the teams actually wanted to win the game, however, the Eagles came out on top.

Now it is week seven, the last game before the bye week, and the Eagles are taking on the undefeated Carolina Panthers on Sunday Night Football. Here is an Eagles week 7 preview.

The Panthers started the season by beating teams led by the following quarterbacks: Blake Bortles, Ryan Mallett, Luke McCown and Jameis Winston. Not really any MVP candidates in that group. The Panthers also never really even dominated any of those games despite the more than favorable match ups.

There were a lot of questions about how good this Panthers team could be until last week. The Panthers led a come from behind victory against the former back-to-back NFC champion Seattle Seahawks. After that those questions seem to have subsided and the Panthers are viewed now as a legitimate contender.

I have not yet bought into the Carolina Panthers and while last season is history it is hard to forget how the Eagles embarrassed them last year in a 45-21 blowout victory led by quarterback Mark Sanchez and even including an appearance from quarterback Matt Barkley.

Oct 18, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) throws a 26-yard touchdown pass against the Seattle Seahawks during the fourth quarter at CenturyLink Field. Carolina defeated Seattle, 27-23. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

The biggest thing about this game was that the Eagles defense was able to get nine sacks and ten tackles for loss. Those are incredible numbers, and it isn’t as though the Panthers offensive line has improved much this year.

The Eagles look outmatched, but the Panthers have a depleted offensive line, a very weak wide receiver corps, and a disappointing running game. The Eagles defense has been stellar and can easily handle this group as long as they watch out for tight end Greg Olsen.

The real challenge naturally comes with MVP candidate and quarterback Cam Newton. The best dual threat quarterback in the league right now. They have already said that they plan to shadow Newton with pro bowl linebacker Connor Barwin. That should help, but they will likely need to make good in game changes to keep up with Newton.

This looks like it could be a surprise Eagles win. For the first time in a long time, the lack of confidence is not in the Eagles defense as they are equipped to handle just about any offense in the league at this point. The Eagles offense and quarterback Sam Bradford really need to step up.

The running game is getting better but against the tough defensive line of the Panthers the Eagles need to figure out how to pass successfully. We cannot keep relying on wide receiver Riley Cooper to be our savior. Wide receiver Jordan Matthews needs to figure out his drop issues because he has been awful.

If Bradford can make more consistent quality plays and make a connection with Matthews the Eagles can be successful. Not to mention, the Eagles should get their talented tight ends and running back Darren Sproles more involved in the pass game.

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