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Eagles vs. Panthers: Week 14 Game Preview

This Sunday, the Philadelphia Eagles (10-2) host the struggling Carolina Panthers (3-9) in what might be less of a football game and more of a reenactment of David vs. Goliath—if David had forgotten his slingshot. Let’s get into it.

The Key Matchup: Eagles Run Offense vs. Panthers Run Defense

The Eagles boast the league’s top rushing attack, led by Saquon Barkley, who has already piled up 1,499 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns with a staggering 6.1 yards per carry. On the other hand, the Panthers bring the NFL’s last-ranked rush defense to the table, surrendering an average of 150+ yards per game on the ground. Translation? Lincoln Financial Field could run out of celebratory fireworks if this plays out the way it appears.

Expect Jalen Hurts and the Eagles’ beefy offensive line to lean heavily on their ground game, as they have since the 8 game winning streak began. Carolina’s defense, which has been as sturdy as a house of cards in a hurricane, will likely struggle to contain them unless they sell out wholesale.  If I were the Panthers defensive coordinator, I would have 9 man boxes on every down.  Safety's are straight up inside linebackers this week.

The Bryce Young Problem

Rookie QB Bryce Young has shown flashes of potential but has struggled with consistency. With just six touchdown passes against six interceptions and an average of 153 passing yards per game, he’s not exactly instilling fear in opposing defenses. Now, he faces an Eagles defense that, while banged up, has allowed only 18.2 points per game.

The Panthers’ Bright Spot?

Chuba Hubbard has quietly put together a solid season with 919 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, averaging 4.9 yards per carry. However, he’ll face an Eagles front seven that eats running backs for breakfast—and occasionally lunch.  Jalen Carter is quietly having an all-pro season without the dazzling stats to get the casual fan's attention.  But those who know, know.

Humorously Predictable Outcome?

Carolina is a +12.5 underdog for a reason. With Philadelphia’s offense firing on all cylinders and the Panthers’ defense resembling a turnstile, this matchup has the makings of a giggle-fest.  Everyone expects the Eagles to roll by 2 to 3 touchdowns.  Having acknowledged this, degenerate gamblers might say this game has let-down written all over it.  Eagles will look past Carolina and squeak through with a narrow victory.

Prediction:

Eagles 23, Panthers 17 setting us up to hear all our beloved national pundits reinvigorate the "Sirianni is over his head" narrative and tell us how Jalen Hurts and Sirianni will prevent this team from reaching its lofty potential.