First Look: Philadelphia Eagles @ Carolina Panthers Game Preview

As we are all aware, the Panthers will open their season at home against the Philadelphia Eagles. Fox doesn't have a good track record against the Eagles, going 1-4 against them, with the only win in the 2003 playoffs when we went to the Superbowl. Philly is best known for the offense with names such as McNabb, Westbrook, the up and coming receiver DeSean Jackson. Yet their Defense is no joke, ending the 2008 season ranked third in the league.

So what can we expect on Sunday. We know the questions our team has all to well and it's hard not to see past them at times. We bring the same offense with hopefully a few new twist and play makers. It appears we have found a reliable 3rd WR in Kenneth Moore and a great 3rd running back in Mike Goodson. And of course we can't forget our TE. Hopefully our John Fox and Jeff Davidson can take advantage of or talent.

The Eagles run a west coast style offense, focusing on the short passes relying on YAC to move the ball. Brian Westbrook has excelled in their offense, having at least 1200 all purpose yards since 2004 and in 2006 & 2007 over 2000 all purpose yards. If they have watched any of our preseason games, they will attempt to take advantage of our soft CB play. Giving a 10 yard cushion to a west coast style offense is not the best strategy. Also, with two new DT that are expect to play the space eater in the middle, we don't know how our middle rush defense is going to play. They would also be wise to test this early in the game.

With that said both the teams have questions about the run defense, especially up the middle because of injuries. The middle run defense can defined as the DT, MLB, and safeties. Paul Domowitch, from the Philadelphia Daily News, does a good job of breaking down the Eagle's D troubles. Basically, first they lost a starting safety to FA and then their MLB to injury. Plus their now backup MLB looks to miss the game.

Just like the Eagles should test our middle defense, the Panthers should return the favor. Their weakness ties in nicely to our strength. I would expect we take advantage of this and pound the ball all day. Mixing a few plays to the WR and now the TE, the Eagles D should also have their hands full.

At the end of the day, I really like our chances against the Eagles. Depending on the state of both defense, this could end up being a high scoring game. We will return near the weekend with a close look at our O vs their D, and their D vs our O.