It seems the story with the 2015 edition of the Carolina Panthers will remain consistent all year, and that's smash mouth physical play on both sides. The Panthers won ugly once again, which has been the formula all year. You know what they say, if it ain't broke why fix it?
The game started off in typical fashion as the Panthers bent but didn't break on defense, stalling the Eagles first drive with a sack from Mario Addison. After the punt, the Panthers quickly put themselves on the board with two plays of 25+ yards, a carry by Jonathan Stewart and a catch by Philly Brown. FB Mike Tolbert rumbled it in for the first score. And that was about as pretty as you can expect from this Panthers offense, especially against a defense like Philadelphia's.
It took until the second quarter for the Eagles to respond, as the teams traded interceptions. Eventually Caleb Sturgis nailed a 52 yard field goal to put it at 7-3. The Panthers responded on the ensuing drive with an excellent trick play to give kick returner-turned-wide receiver Ted Ginn the ball with space, where he scampered for 43 yards. After the offense drew two encroachment penalties on Benny Logan, Cam took it in himself for the team's second rushing touchdown of the game.
The Panthers appeared to be in the drivers seat late in the second after stopping another Eagles drive for a punt, until Cam made a bad throw to Fozzy Whittaker that turned into an interception. I would argue this play was the only interception you could say was actually Cam's fault, as with the other two both receivers got their hands on the ball and should have caught it. The defense held strong and allowed another field goal.
The Panthers came out to start the third quarter with an excellent 7 play, 80 yard drive on the shoulders of the passing attack. Mike Tolbert scored his second touchdown of the game, this time on a pass reminiscent of Deshaun Foster's famous run against the Eagles to propel the team to it's first Super Bowl. It took four defenders to bring him down after he bounced off a tackle from the Eagles safety. The Panthers appeared to be finally pushing ahead, but the Eagles busted off a 63 yard touchdown from Ryan Mathews to keep themselves in it. From then on, the defense bailed out the offense on a turnover by Devin Funchess and the offense put up two more field goals as the lead was never lost and the Panthers can finally celebrate their best start in franchise history.
The Good
- RB Jonathan Stewart finally seems to have established a rhythm this year. While Mike Tolbert and Cam had the touchdowns, Stewart ran for 125 yards against a team that hasn't surrendered a singular 100 yard performance all year. Stewart played with ferocity and his power run style is helping the team wear down opposing defenses. Cris Collinsworth should be proud.
- The pass rush as a whole was excellent with 5 sacks, but you really have to give it up for Kawann Short. Short ended up being credited with 3 sacks, giving him 5 on the season and all of them came from the last two games. Jared Allen registering his first sack as a Panthers will be a story, but KK Short has really stepped up in Charles Johnson's absence.
- I've always liked what Colin Jones brings to the table, as he steps in wherever the defense needs him. Good to see him get an interception.
- Hats off to the punting team, who consistently kept Darren Sproles out of the return game after every analyst on the planet pointed out Sproles performance last year against the Panthers. Brad Nortman kicked em high, and the coverage team got there fast. A fair catch inside the 10 yard line is about the best you can do punting the ball in the NFL.
- Thomas Davis and Luke Kuechly are savages. Both did what they do best, cleaning up perimeter runs and laying the punishment.
The Bad
What's Next
The Panthers clash with the Indianapolis Colts on Monday Night Football, once again in Charlotte. This is a great opportunity to push the winning streak forward even more, after the Colts fell to the Saints today and are struggling to put it together. Also a great opportunity to stick it to the "Panthers Fans Should Wish They Had Andrew Luck" fan club.
Great win, great time to be a Panthers fan. Finally crushed the narrative of choking in primetime, and capped off the best start in franchise history. Let us know who your MVP is in the comments!