Philadelphia Eagles vs. Carolina Panthers: Four things to watch

3. Each team’s X-Factor

Carolina Panthers X-Factor: Christian McCaffrey, RB

For the Panthers, one player that requires a lot of attention from opposing defenses already is running back/receiver Christian McCaffrey, who has quickly established himself in this league as a pass catcher.

Not so much as a running back, quite yet.

While McCaffrey is averaging under three yards per rush, he’s leading the team with 27 catches for 237 yards. The Eagles will have to account for him out of the backfield or in the slot on every single play.

Philadelphia Eagles X-Factor: LeGarrette Blount, RB

It was a tough decision to pick a player here for the Eagles, but what if I told you LeGarrette Blount — a former Patriots player — was having success outside of New England?

That seems hard to believe, considering Bill Belichick never lets go of a good player.

All kidding aside, Blount has provided great balance to the Eagles’ offensive attack, specifically by averaging 5.8 yards per carry. That would easily be a career high if he can keep it up, and through five games, Blount has already matched his career high with one receiving touchdown.

He’s well on his way to being a bigger piece to the Eagles’ offense than most people probably thought he could be.