Monday Night Football Afterword: Eagles vs Panthers

Cam Newton initially missed the end zone on this dive, but
a second effort pushed the football across the goal line.
Photo credit to Northwest Herald.

Bryce Brown was not the only bright spot for the Eagles, but it certainly felt like it. With LeSean McCoy inactive due to a concussion suffered last week against the Redskins, Brown recorded an Eagles’ rookie record 178 rushing yards in the 30-22 home loss to Carolina. He scored twice, including on a 65-yard blast, but he also fumbled twice and will have to learn to hold the ball more securely moving forward.

But Nick Foles was also a bright spot. He struggled mightily in the red zone, and he threw some shaky passes early on, but he threw only five incompletions. He only threw for 119 yards and failed to record a scoring throw, but, more importantly, he also did not throw any interceptions, a week after throwing two against Washington.

Injuries are the story for the Eagles. They have only one offensive lineman that has started every game. In addition to Michael Vick and McCoy sitting out, DeSean Jackson went down with an injury early on and did not return, leaving Foles limited in his offensive weapons and completely crippling Philadelphia’s ability to stretch the field.

Philadelphia looked terrible on defense early, giving up two big touchdown passes to Cam Newton. They settled down some as the game progressed but consistently failed to contain Newton, who threw for 306 yards and two scores on 18/28 passing in addition to carrying 14 times for 52 yards and another two touchdowns.

Andy Reid’s record losing streak now continues at seven games, as the Eagles still have not won since the last time the Phillies notched a win. The Philadelphia baseball club notched its last win on October 1, the day after the most recent Eagles victory.

Carolina defeated the Eagles for just the second time since 2001. Their other victory was in the playoffs en route to their narrow Super Bowl XXXVIII loss to the New England Patriots.

Before I wrap this up, I want to briefly pay my respects to Sean Taylor, the Redskins safety who died five years ago, today. Gone but never forgotten. Rest In Peace, #21.