Carolina Panthers vs. Philadelphia Eagles: Complete Week 10 Preview for Carolina

After last week's 18-point loss to the New Orleans Saints, the Carolina Panthers (3-5-1) will have to regroup and possibly win out if there is any hope for the division crown to remain in Charlotte, North Carolina. 

Unfortunately, the team has seemingly played worse each week since its tie in Week 6 and has been outscored by opponents 79-36. It's not outside the realm of possibility that Carolina could be in line for a top-10 pick, and if the Panthers' current level of play continues, it will be an almost certainty. 

The schedule doesn't get any easier with a Monday Night Football game against the Philadelphia Eagles in the City of Brotherly Love. However, a win against the Eagles will go a long way as the Panthers' remaining schedule will become drastically easier.

Week 10 will see Carolina get back a few players, notably on the left side of its offensive line. Although Byron Bell and Amini Silatolu will return Monday night, the overall play of the unit in general has done little to ease the concerns of a restless Panthers fanbase.

Philadelphia will be without quarterback Nick Foles, but that may not be a major concern as the Eagles still have a potent weapon in LeSean McCoy, and Carolina opponents have found it very easy to run over and through the Panthers' defense. McCoy has started slowly this season, but a game against a leaky Carolina defense could be what he needs to get back on track.

On paper, this game could go either way. Both teams are hurting and missing key players. The only difference is the Eagles have a winning record and are division leaders. The Panthers have been in a free fall since Week 6. Hopefully, the extra days off have allowed Carolina to get some additional rest and time to prepare for its prime-time game.

Carolina Panthers Week 9 Recap

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Much of the first half was a defensive struggle for both the New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers. Turnovers and punts defined much of the early part of the game last Thursday until the Saints offense took off late in the second quarter. At halftime, New Orleans was ahead 14-0 and did not look back. Carolina came out strong to open the third quarter, but that was as exciting as it would get for the blue and black.

Drew Brees didn't have his typical big-number game, but he was still efficient enough to get the job done. Running back Mark Ingram had his best game of the season by rushing for 100 yards and two scores as the Saints toppled the Panthers 28-10.

The Panthers dropped the one game they really needed to win. While Carolina will get another chance to defeat the Saints, it won't be easy as the second game will take place in New Orleans. The Saints' victory put them in control of the weak NFC South and the Panthers in a bad position moving forward.

News and Notes

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A Healthy Line, but Same Result?

The Carolina Panthers will get back Byron Bell and Amini Silatolu this week and could possibly get back Trai Turner. If that's the case, it will mean the Panthers will be better up front, but can it translate into better production?

The Panthers have struggled to run the ball, and much of that has fallen on the shoulders of the offensive line, which has failed for much of the season in creating running room for the backs. The pass protection hasn't been better, either, as the line has given up 21 sacks—an unacceptable amount for this stage in the season.

The silver lining is that at the current pace, Newton will not be sacked as much as he was last year. If the Carolina offense is to have any success, the line needs to play better. It would be nice if it were only one facet in which the unit needed to improve, but the Panthers offensive line is bad all-around.

Secondary Needs Improvement Too

The Carolina secondary has been abused in two of the last three games. It hasn't helped matters that each opponent in that span is among the league's best in passing offense. The miscues, yards given up and touchdowns have seen a multitude of changes in the defensive backfield. Melvin White was benched earlier in the season and replaced the following week by Josh Norman. After Norman sustained a concussion, White returned to his starting position.

Antoine Cason came under fire last week after committing some bone-headed mistakes that gave New Orleans a lot of free yards. Roman Harper and Thomas DeCoud haven't been much better, even though the former does lead the team in interceptions. However, Harper has failed to make the necessary tackles and even missed one against Green Bay that gave the Packers an early advantage.

Dave Gettleman tried duplicating last year's success by signing veterans to a short deal to work with the team's young talent, but he failed miserably. The secondary should be lucky that this week's game is against Mark Sanchez, but that will not guarantee success come Monday night.

Panthers Support Hardy

The presence of lineman Greg Hardy has been missed this season, and the defensive woes have shown that. Sitting on the commissioner's exemption list since Week 3, the Pro Bowl defensive end may not see the field the rest of the year.  However, he has received support from coach Ron Rivera and several of his teammates stating they would welcome him back when cleared to play.

The team had hoped he would be close to returning after his appeal was heard this month, but his case was moved to early 2015. Whether or not he returns to the Panthers at all (he's a free agent at the end of the season) remains to be seen. Based on the endorsement from his teammates, it's clear that Carolina is willing to bring him back on board for the foreseeable future.

Injury Report

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Player/Position	Injury	Game Status
Bene Benwikere, CB	Ankle	Out
Philly Brown, WR/KR	Concussion	Probable
Dwan Edwards, DT	Knee	Probable
Kawann Short, DT	Ankle	Probable
Trai Turner, OG	Ankle	Out

Source: Panthers.com

The Carolina injury report has been drastically reduced from what it looked like a week ago. Only Benwikere and Turner did not practice, as the other three participated in practice to some extent. Philly Brown could be back as he practiced fully on Wednesday. If he is a go, he should be back to field punts and kicks on special teams.

Turner could be a game-time decision. Rivera hasn't committed to his availability as he has with Byron Bell and Amini Silatolu. For now, Andrew Norwell is taking snaps with the first-team offense.

More information about who will be suiting up should be ready late Friday afternoon.

X-Factors and Matchups to Watch

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Carolina Front Seven vs. LeSean McCoy

As noted in the introduction, the Panthers have had their issues stopping the run. Monday will not be easier as the Carolina defense will be tasked with stopping one of the best backs in the league. While McCoy hasn't played up to expectations and has been sidelined this week due to illness, he could have a big night against a run defense that ranks 26th (per ESPN) in that department.

The key for the Panthers will be to plug the gaps, not miss any tackles and take out the Philadelphia rushing attack. That's easier said than done, but perhaps the extra time off allowed for better preparation.

Antoine Cason vs. Jeremy Maclin

Cason had his problems last week against New Orleans and committed some crucial mistakes that allowed the Saints to move the ball effectively and pick up the win. It won't be any easier going up against one of the best receivers in the league. Maclin has 790 receiving yards on 45 catches and eight touchdowns.

Needless to say, Cason will have his hands full. Rivera could have him on a short leash, and if he gives up too many big plays early or commits a stupid penalty, he could be replaced. This is the type of game that Cason would love to use as a springboard to rebound from last week's debacle. However, if he allows Mark Sanchez to burn him on a consistent basis, he'll be off the field in a hurry.

Carolina Offensive Line vs. Philadelphia Defensive Front

It's no question that the Carolina hog-mollies have been less than efficient in the trenches. Going up against a team that has 23 sacks won't be easy, but if the Panthers are to get back in the win column, they will need a good performance from their offensive line. Opening up running lanes could be the biggest issue, but protecting Cam Newton will be imperative.

According to ESPN.com, the Eagles rank 22nd in stopping the pass and 20th in stopping the run. The Panthers really haven't had a good game at the line of scrimmage since Week 1, so rebounding and making a statement Monday night could show they are not done fighting.

X-Factor of the Week for Carolina: Cam Newton

Unlike Philadelphia, Carolina has the luxury of having its starting quarterback under center this week. With that being said, the offense will either thrive or stall under Newton's performance. The past two weeks have resulted in losses because Newton was not looking for Greg Olsen enough and seemed to be targeting Kelvin Benjamin a little more often than he should.

Returning to the formula that was working before, where he was targeting both receivers on a more equal basis, the Carolina passing game could be rejuvenated.

Also, it will be helpful if Benjamin does not drop those passes that he's expected to catch—most notably those inside the end zone. Another correction Newton needs to make is the accuracy of his throws. The Newton who can scramble and make plays on the fly has returned, but if he can't use his entire arsenal effectively, the offense cannot be competitive. Some of this depends on Newton's supporting cast playing better, but the man himself needs to take action and rise to the occasion. 

Prediction

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The Carolina Panthers are in a good spot to come in and get the upset win over a very talented Philadelphia team. The injuries to Nick Foles and DeMeco Ryans will make this game closer than it should have been prior to them getting hurt. Mark Sanchez under center for the Eagles should give the Carolina defense more confidence going into the game. While Sanchez has spent most of his career playing below-average football, he turned in a quality performance last week at Houston.

It's likely he will build off that confidence and play well enough to give the Eagles many scoring opportunities, and despite LeSean McCoy not feeling well this week, he could be the workhorse for Philadelphia.

The Panthers desperately need a win Monday night, yet it would be bold to predict the upset, since the reality is Carolina has found ways to lose over the past three weeks. Whether or not the Panthers can find a way to correct their problems remains to be seen, but it's doubtful it will be this week.

Prediction

Philadelphia 21, Carolina 10

Team and player information courtesy of Panthers.com, ESPN.com and Pro-Football-Reference.