What to Expect from Mark Sanchez, Philadelphia Eagles Offense in Week 11

Any concerns about the Philadelphia Eagles offense under new starting quarterback Mark Sanchez were silenced after Monday night's dominant 45-21 win over the Carolina Panthers.

While the Eagles capitalized on both defensive and special teams touchdowns once more, Sanchez was particularly effective in his first start in an Eagles uniform. Sanchez passed for 332 yards and two touchdowns without turning the ball over.

This was actually his first NFL start since 2012, and he helped Philadelphia to a much-needed win.

So, can it continue?

That's the main question. Not to take anything away from Sanchez's performance, but it came against a Panthers team that has been bottoming out as of late.

Prior to this loss, Carolina was rated in the bottom eight in the National Football League in both scoring and total defense. The team had gone 1-5-1 since a promising 2-0 start.

Matt Rourke/Associated Press

Still, Sanchez did all that was asked of him and more. He came inches away from a third touchdown pass when Brent Celek was tackled just shy of the goal line—on a play initially ruled a touchdown.

In all, he led the Eagles to four touchdowns and a field goal. That's a tremendous effort that will win the great majority of games.

A Week 11 matchup with Green Bay will be a big test not for Philadelphia's defense but its offense.

Sanchez will have to keep up with Aaron Rodgers, who is playing as well right now as any quarterback in the history of this league. Rodgers shredded the Chicago Bears to the tune of six touchdown passes in the first half this past Sunday.

The Eagles don't boast the toughest secondary, which will likely result in a lot of points from Rodgers.

Fortunately, Green Bay rates just 17th in scoring defense and 23rd in total defense. The secondary is deep, with cornerbacks Sam Shields, Tramon Williams and Casey Hayward to go with rookie first-round safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix.

The Packers' biggest weakness is a subpar run defense that ranks just 30th in rushing yards allowed and 28th in average rushing yards allowed per attempt.

That means Sanchez will need a big game out of LeSean McCoy, who simply hasn't been the same player this season. McCoy inexplicably mustered just 19 rushing yards against an abysmal Panthers run defense.

To beat the Packers, Sanchez will need to play turnover-free football again, but he will also need more production out of his backfield. Fortunately, the Eagles do have solid complements in both veteran multidimensional back Darren Sproles and young power back Chris Polk.

Sproles made the most of his lone handoff on Monday night, scampering eight yards for a touchdown. Polk was quiet on his five carries (11 yards), but he's proven he can contribute when called upon.

On the receiving end, there are a multitude of weapons the Packers will have to cover. Jeremy Maclin has been the go-to receiver all season, and he's on track for by far his best year as a professional. He should bring home Pro Bowl honors and finish with around 1,500 receiving yards and a dozen touchdowns.

Michael Perez/Associated Press

With that said, the emergence of rookie second-round pick Jordan Matthews as Sanchez's favorite receiver will give the Eagles even more weapons.

The rapport between Matthews and Sanchez shouldn't be surprising. After all, they spent the entire offseason practicing together with the second-team units.

Matthews' 138-yard, two-touchdown performance won't be sustainable on a weekly basis, but he's talented enough that he will see his fair share of snaps and targets—especially as Riley Cooper continues to struggle.

Second-year tight end Zach Ertz hasn't had quite the breakout season many expected, but he's still on pace for 667 yards and four touchdowns. Celek, who had been quiet for most of the year, hauled in five catches for 116 yards on six targets.

Having a pair of tight ends who can make plays will really help Sanchez going forward.

It will take a lot to beat this Packers team. Green Bay is playing its best football right now, and Rodgers may be too much for the Eagles to contain. If Sanchez can outscore Rodgers, he will instill a whole lot of confidence in this Philadelphia fanbase.