With a 10-6 record, the Eagles are currently in a three-way tie for first place in the NFC East with the Cowboys and Redskins. They have a tough matchup against an undefeated Carolina Panthers team that has been playing some of the best football in the league this season.
Jalen Hurts is the quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles and he is staring down an absolutely terrifying scenario against Brian Burns and the Carolina Panthers. Read more in detail here: jalen hurts.
During their Week 4 matchup with Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs, the Philadelphia Eagles looked competitive. Their offense scored 30 points, and their defense snatched an interception from Chiefs MVP candidate Patrick Mahomes.
Unfortunately, Mahomes and the Chiefs’ high-powered attack proved to be too much for the Eagles to handle. Kansas City scored 42 points, sending Philadelphia to a 1-3 record for the season, thanks to Tyreek Hill’s outstanding performance.
Jalen Hurts and the Eagles’ lives aren’t going to get much easier in the future.
The Panthers of Carolina are a surprisingly good opponent.
The Carolina Panthers, the Eagles’ Week 5 opponent, haven’t been the best of teams since Cam Newton and Ron Rivera left a couple years ago. However, due to a few sneaky additions by new general manager Scott Fitterer, it seems they’ve finally fitted the jigsaw back together.
Getting QB Sam Darnold is at the top of the priority list. The former New York Jets quarterback is off to a blistering start, leading the NFL in running touchdowns (5). Darnold’s completion percentage, passer rating, and quarterback rating are all near career highs.
While the Panthers’ offense has improved significantly and could cause major problems for the Eagles’ ailing defense on Sunday, it is their defense that deserves the most attention. The Carolina defense, led by star pass rusher Brian Burns, is a force to be reckoned with in more ways than one.
Jalen Hurts should be concerned with the recent injury news out of Philadelphia.
The Eagles are struggling with a number of O-Line injuries.
Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images/Jalen Hurts
Keeping Burns away from Hurts is the Eagles’ primary goal versus Carolina.
Hurts may be one of the NFL’s most mobile quarterbacks, but that won’t bother Burns. If he gets close enough to Hurts, the great pass rusher has already racked up 3.0 sacks this season.
The fact that Philly is now without both of its starting offensive tackles is a frightening element of this situation. Jordan Mailata, the left tackle, missed Week 4 due to a knee injury and has just recently returned to practice with a huge knee brace, while right tackle Lane Johnson is set to miss his second straight game due to a personal matter.
Due to injuries, both of Philadelphia’s starting guards are out.
Burns and the Carolina D-Line are facing four reserve lineman. That’s a catastrophe waiting to happen.
The Eagles will devise a strategy to get around their shaky offensive line.
There is some good news. Lane Johnson has returned to Philadelphia after attending to a personal issue in Oklahoma.
However, no date has been set for his return to the field.
We wish Lane the best of luck with his photo. twitter.com/oQsiu8TXBV
6 October 2021 — John Clark (@JClarkNBCS)
While the Eagles lost their Week 4 matchup against the Chiefs, their offensive line performed well. All of their reserve lineman put up above-average numbers, allowing Hurts just enough time to throw a quick ball or sprint away.
Nick Sirianni and the Eagles coaching staff are expected to use a similar approach against Carolina. Lots of screens, curves, and short paths – Hurts should spend as little time as possible in the pocket.
The Panthers are 3-1, while the Eagles are 1-3. Even before all of these offensive line injuries, the odds were in Carolina’s advantage. Philly’s chances of pulling off an upset have just increased.
Pro Football Reference provided all stats.
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