NFC Wild Card: Looking at potential opponents for the Eagles

Carolina Panthers

The Eagles have seen the Carolina Panthers once already this season. Back in Week 6, the Eagles defeated the Panthers at Bank of America Stadium 28-23. Although the game sure looks like a nail-biter on paper, the truth is the Eagles low-key dominated in that game. Without a lopsided called game from the referees, it almost doubtful the Panthers could move the ball on offense.

Panthers quarterback, Cam Newton was the shining star in this game for the Panthers as always, but his performance was not a pretty one. When the Eagles were able to hold the Carolina backfield to just nine yards, Newton was forced to pass the ball over 50 times. Just like many other times he played the Eagles, he struggled with turning the ball over. His touchdown-to-interception ratio was an ugly 1-3.

Although Newton rushed for 71-yards and a touchdown, the Eagles displayed their best efforts of a bend but don’t break defense. Against the Panthers, the Eagles were able to run the ball effectively. Which opened up the passing game in the second half and helped the Eagles put up 19 points in the second half.

Could they repeat success?

Obviously, this time around would be a lot different for the Eagles. They are without Jason Peters and Carson Wentz. But they also have the addition of Jay Ajayi in the backfield. If the Panthers somehow pull out a win against the New Orleans Saints this week, and the Los Angeles Rams take care of the Atlanta Falcons, then Newton and the Panthers get a rematch with the Birds. Only this time it’s in the Eagles house.

Since 2012, the Panthers have visited Philadelphia twice. One win and one loss with the Ron Rivera and Cam Newton era. If the Panthers come to visit in the divisional round, Eagles fans should really like the odds of winning to advance on to the NFC Championship. The Eagles defense was clearly too much for the Panthers to handle the last time around.