Eagles-Panthers Recap: Drops Doom Birds In Loss

Oct 25, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) scores a touchdown in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Second Quarter

A Sam Bradford scramble on 3rd down sets up a 4th and short. Bradford extends the play on the 4th down try and pulls it down for the first. On 3rd and long Bradford threads the needle to Matthews, however, he drops the easy conversion. Matthews has been awful this season. The drops need to stop, or Matthews needs to hit the bench for a bit. Momentum killer.

Newton and the Panthers move the ball on a couple of solid runs, before Jordan Hicks lays a big hit on a 1st down. Byron Maxwell nearly comes down with a pick on a pass intended for Olsen on the following play, and then plays tight coverage to keep his man from converting on a 3rd down catch. Eagles D playing well since the turnover.

Bradford does a great job of stepping up and delivering a strike to a diving Zach Ertz on 3rd and 6. Ryan Mathews gains about 20 after a Lane Johnson false start penalty. Bradford fires for Josh Huff 2 plays later but the receiver can’t pull it in. Tough to see if the ball should’ve been caught. Caleb Sturgis comes on for the long 52 yard field goal and drills it right down the middle.

The Sturgis celebration is short lived. Sturgis kicks the ball out of bounds on the kickoff, and the Panthers start their drive at the 40. On the second play the Eagles bite hard on an end around and Ginn takes the ball down the far sideline all the way to the Eagles 8. The Eagles were caught totally off guard on that one. After Stewart is snuffed on 1st and goal, Bennie Logan commits back-to-back encroachment penalties to put Carolina on the 2. Newton takes it in on the read option keeper to make it 14-3, Carolina.

The Eagles quickly go 3 and out after Thomas Davis makes a nice play to bring down Sproles in space. Carolina regains possession and move the ball a bit. Cam narrowly avoids a Fletcher Cox strip sack, and then extends the following play, firing to the sideline. Somehow, Malcolm Jenkins comes up with a MIRACULOUS one handed interception, and breathes life into the Eagles.

A 12 yard completion to Zach Ertz, and a subsequent pass interference call on a pass to Matthews puts the Eagles within striking distance. Bradford throws a tight ball into the back of the end zone for Matthews, who makes a great grab but can’t get both feet down. On the following play Bradford throws a fantastic ball to Ertz, but Josh Norman makes a phenomenal diving PBU. Norman is really a special talent. The Eagles settle for the field goal and go into the half trailing 14-6.

Next: Third Quarter