Fansided
Fansided

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Carolina Panthers: Four things to watch

By Sayre Bedinger

DETROIT, MI - OCTOBER 08: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers jogs off the field after defeated the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on October 8, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. Carolina defeated Detroit 27-24. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - OCTOBER 08: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers jogs off the field after defeated the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on October 8, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. Carolina defeated Detroit 27-24. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
PHILADELPHIA, PA – OCTOBER 08: Brandon Graham #55 of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts in front of John Wetzel #73 of the Arizona Cardinals in the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on October 8, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles defeated the Cardinals 34-7. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – OCTOBER 08: Brandon Graham #55 of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts in front of John Wetzel #73 of the Arizona Cardinals in the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on October 8, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles defeated the Cardinals 34-7. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

2. Two balanced teams

Both the Philadelphia Eagles and Carolina Panthers are very balanced football teams, but perhaps no team in the NFL this season is more balanced than the Eagles.

According to Pro Football Focus’ cumulative grades, the Eagles are the best team in the NFL with high marks offensively, defensively, and on special teams.

They are a well-coached, talented group of individuals, and there’s something to be said there for general manager Howie Roseman and head coach Doug Pedersen, who have this team ready on a weekly basis and looking very cohesive for a group of guys who have mostly been assembled the past two seasons.

It’s been a quick turnaround for Philly, which has a very talented team and has done well to find gems in free agency and through trades.

The Panthers are known more for their weapons on offense, but they have a star-studded cast defensively, led by defensive tackle Kawann Short and linebacker Luke Kuechly.

Offensively, the Panthers have the dynamic Newton along with Christian McCaffrey, the team’s leading receiver, and twin tower receivers Kelvin Benjamin and Devin Funchess, who have really been coming along.

Both teams can rush the quarterback, both have good offensive lines (so far) and both play well on special teams. This is a very evenly matched game in every phase.

Home/NFL Hot Takes