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