Panthers at Eagles: What Are Experts Saying About Philly?

The Philadelphia Eagles are still flying high, but they have undergone a lot of change in the past week.

The team has lost its leader on offense in quarterback Nick Foles and its leader on defense in inside linebacker DeMeco Ryans to injury.

Despite these losses, however, the Eagles are still regarded as one of the NFC's top teams.

What are the experts saying about Philly this week? Continue reading to learn more! 

1. Eagles Ranked No. 4 by ESPN

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Despite the loss of their starting quarterback, the Eagles are ranked fourth in the NFL by ESPN in Week 10, which is one spot higher than last week: "Mark Sanchez sighting! Sanchez was 15-of-22 for two touchdowns and two interceptions, his first two-touchdown performance since 2012 (Week 6)." 

The ranking can certainly be considered high praise for the Eagles, as it suggests the strength of the offensive personnel and coaching staff will be enough to overcome a change in signal-caller.

It also speaks to the perceived strength of backup quarterback Mark Sanchez. 

2. Tim McManus: Kendricks Could Take over Defensive Leadership

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DeMeco Ryans' injury is a severe blow to the Eagles, and what will be missed more than Ryans' on-field production is his leadership.

However, according to Tim McManus of PhillyMag.com, Mychal Kendricks instinctively began to fill in as the vocal leader when Ryans went down and may continue to do so going forward.

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The 24-year-old noted that he has always had that in him, but has shown deference to veteran leaders on the team, like Ryans. Perhaps that side of him will come out more over the second half of the season. There is certainly a void that needs to be filled from a leadership and playmaking standpoint, but the coaching staff does not want Kendricks over-extending himself.

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McManus stated in his article that Chip Kelly did not want Kendricks to try too hard to emulate Ryans.

In any case, it would appear the Eagles locker room is not devoid of leaders with Ryans out for the season. 

3. Gregg Rosenthal: Sanchez May Keep Job Through Playoffs

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Gregg Rosenthal of NFL.com recently highlighted how the Eagles have remained among the top offenses in the NFL in 2014 despite Foles' poor play.

Similarly, Sanchez can also be expected to play well. Rosenthal even suggests the former New York Jets QB may remain the starter through the postseason in Kelly's quarterback-friendly system.

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He's taking over the quarterback-proof offense. Nick Foles hasn't played well at all this year, and the Eagles are still in the top four in yards and points. Next stop: Matt Flynn free agent contract land!

Sanchez will take the Eagles' job for six to eight weeks. They don't play a pass defense ranked in the top 12 of Football Outsiders' DVOA in that entire time. It wouldn't be a surprise if Sanchez keeps the job into the playoffs.

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If Sanchez continues to play well, it would say wonders about Kelly's scheme to the point teams in 2015 may begin to emulate it. 

4. Adam Rank: Kelly May Prefer Sanchez

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Adam Rank of NFL.com, like Rosenthal, suggests Sanchez could succeed in the Eagles offense.

Rank's logic is that Kelly may prefer Sanchez's skill set over that of Nick Foles.

While Rosenthal suggests that the system is making the quarterback, Rank points out that Matt Barkley struggled last season when in the same system:

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I have a weird suspicion Kelly wasn't too bummed when he had to turn to Sanchez. He seems like the quarterback he would have wanted on the field all along. Remember, Kelly inherited Foles and the other guy last year. Sanchez was somebody he sought. Sure, the market was kind of thin. But the Eagles didn't make a move for a quarterback in the NFL draft. And before you want to just claim it's the system that makes the quarterback, may I present to you Matt Barkley.

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If Sanchez does play well, the Eagles may turn to him, as his playing style fits Kelly's philosophies better than Foles.

Sanchez is more mobile and makes quicker decisions. Perhaps all he needs is an offensive-minded coach who knows how to play to his strengths.