Last year vs. this year

[MHS831]

I normally do not start threads, leaving that task to the experts with something significant to report, so forgive me if this is not worthy.

For those worried about the matchup issue -based on last year's blowout in Philly, here are some tidbits to keep in mind:

• The Panthers surrendered 5 turnovers to the Eagles 0. 
• The Eagles (Sproles) had a 68-yard punt return for a TD
• The Panther's secondary featured Thomas DeCoud, Antione Cason, James Dockery, and Colin Jones along with Harper and Norman.  (Why Sanchez threw for 300+ yards, one might assume)
• One defensive end had one tackle--Wes Horton.  The Panthers did not have Hardy and Johnson did not show up on that stat sheet (was he injured?)
• The offensive line featured Byron "more cow" Bell, newly-inserted rookie Andrew Norwell, Ryan Kalil, Scott, and Chandler. 
• Cam was injured and running for his life. 
• So this year, we have an improved secondary, improved special teams, and an improved OL.
• The Eagles lost Maclin and McCoy from last year.  They traded a solid qb (Foles)  for a feeble, inaccurate one.  Cooper is likely out, as is Algohor.
• We lost Benjamin, but they took him away from the offense last year anyhow.

The Eagles D is not as aggressive vs. Running QBs.  However, if you want to see how good Shula is, pay attention to the way he attacks the middle. Running wide is not the best approach vs. their D.  Iso, power, and counters are better.  Of course, play action.  They will attempt to take Olsen out of the game, so it is time for Fuchess, Brown, Cotchery, and Ginn to step up. 

I see a Panther win by 10 if we do not beat ourselves like we did last year. 

On a side note, if the Panthers win this game, they can play .500 ball the rest on the way and finish at 11-5, a record that almost 100% of the time assures a playoff spot. 

[PantherCam213]

All good points.  Thanks for sharing.

You should start threads more often.

[pantherking15]

Some thoughts about this Eagles defense:

• This is a good Eagles defense, make no mistake about it. Football Outsiders ranks them the 3rd best defense behind the Broncos and the Jets (Panthers are ranked 5th but we didn't have Luke/Star for a while and are missing CJ). FYI, Seahawks are 12th.
• Eagles defense is ranked 7th in ppg given up (18.3). Panthers are ranked 8th (18.8 ppg), but we have given up 3-4 garbage time TDs after being up by double digits late in the 4th.
• Very curious to see if Mychal Kendricks and Demeco Ryans are going to play. If they're out, that's a huge advantage for us.
• The Eagles run a 3-4 defense geared to stop the run, which will be a challenge for us.
• The Eagles amazingly have a positive turnover ratio, despite their offense turning the ball over like crazy. That tells you their defense is good at forcing turnovers.
• Their biggest strength matches our strength (interior DL vs interior OL) and our weakness matches their weakness (WRs vs CBs).

We need to stay patient on offense, stay on schedule with down and distance, and protect the football. Basically, we need to grind them out by winning the TOP battle and wearing their pass rush down, so we can rack up yards and points in the 2nd half.

 

[KSpan]

Amini started the game... I distinctly remember Barwin decleating him on a stunt. Chandler was embarrassed as well.

[MHS831]

Amini started the game... I distinctly remember Barwin decleating him on a stunt. Chandler was embarrassed as well.

I was not sure about that---I thought Silatolu played, but Norwell actually made a tackle.