Scouting Report: Eagles

Panther fans know their Panthers, but sometimes it’s knowing the skinny about our opponents. The C3 Scouting Report gives you the lowdown on this week’s opponent, the Philadelphia Eagles.

Overall: 

Division: NFC East
Record: 6-2
Division Standing:  1st
Streak: 1 win
Last Meeting: 30-22, Panthers win in Philadelphia (11/26/12)
All-time vs Panthers: 5-3 

Offense

Key Players:  Shady McCoy, Jeremy Maclin, Jason Kelce, Darren Sproles, Zach Ertz

Hot Players:  Jeremy Maclin (6 rec 158 yds, 2 TDs)

Tendencies: Hurry-up offense; West Coast. 

Execution Last Week:

Passing: Average - M. Sanchez - average (15/22, 202 yds, 2 TDs, 2 INTS)

Rushing: Very good - LeSean “Shady” McCoy - heating up (117 yds, o TD)

Defense: 

Key Players: Malcolm Jenkins, Connor Barwin, Trent Cole, Fletcher Cox

Hot Players: Mychael Kendricks, ILB (5 TKL, 7 AST, 1 sack, 1 fumble forced against Houston last week)

Execution Last Week: Average to above-average. The defense held Arian Foster to 56 yds on 15 carries but gave up a 56-yd TD pass when Connor Barwin couldn’t cover him on wheel route. However, Texans’ QB Ryan Fitzpatrick didn’t complete half his passes, but the Panthers don’t have a pass-rusher of J.J. Watt’s ability with Greg Hardy benched for political reasons.

Coaching: Outstanding. Chip Kelly is an offensive innovator with the hurry-up RUNNING game, which can really gas defenders after a while. Last week, Kelly won by using cast-off QB Mark Sanchez in his back-up role. Sanchez did throw two INTs in less than a game of action, but completed passes, moved the team, and scored when they needed it. Since Chip Kelly is only 2 seasons removed from his NCAA coaching days, the closest comparison on the offensive side is the scheme Auburn’s Gus Malzahn runs…a “hurry-up” rushing attack that helps open up the passing game. With Mark Sanchez starting in place of injured Nick Foles, the scheme should play right into Sanchez’ situation as a back-up starting his first game in 2 seasons.

Head Coach: Chip Kelly (16-9 Regular Season Record; 46-7 at Oregon - NCAA)
Offensive Coordinator:  Pat Shurmur
Offensive Scheme: West Coast, No-Huddle at times
Defensive Coordinator: Billy Davis
Defensive Alignment: 3-4

Tendencies:  The Eagles’ defensive stats are skewed due to the “hurry up” offense Chip Kelly employs, meaning more total plays run by BOTH teams. They have a young, fast front-seven and revamped defensive backfield. Although the New York Giants continue to struggle, it’s still hard to pitch a shutout on defense in the NFL, which Philly did to the Giants during week six.

Standing:  Chip Kelly’s job is as secure as anyone’s is at the moment with a good record in his own “rookie” NFL coach season that he is continuing with in 2014.
Injury Report:

PHI: QB Nick Foles (out), LB DeMeco Ryans (out)

CAR: (DNP) - CB Bene Benwikere, OG Trai Turner