Cam Newton, Panthers Overcome 17-Point Deficit to Stun Carson Wentz, Eagles

Never count out Cam Newton.  

The Carolina Panthers star quarterback led his team to a remarkable 21-17 win over the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday, overcoming a 17-0 fourth-quarter deficit to break the hearts of the defending champions.

Newton threw for 269 yards and two fourth-quarter scores, while Christian McCaffrey tallied 80 yards from scrimmage and veteran tight end Greg Olsen caught the game-winning score with just 1:26 on the clock. 

That spoiled an excellent performance from Carson Wentz, who finished 30-of-37 for 310 yards and two touchdowns in the loss. Despite controlling time of possession (35:17) and dominating the first three quarters, the Eagles blew another fourth-quarter lead and dropped to 3-4 on the season. The Panthers moved to 4-2, meanwhile.

Cam Newton Alone Makes Panthers an NFC Contender

The Panthers had no business winning this game. For three quarters, the Eagles ground them to a pulp behind a balanced offensive attack and an MVP-level performance from Wentz. Meanwhile, Philadelphia's defensive line dominated the line of scrimmage, giving Newton little time to throw and taking Carolina out of any offensive rhythm.

The Eagles were about to go 4-3. After a blowout performance against the New York Giants and a win over a playoff contender like the Panthers, it appeared they had shaken the cobwebs from a mediocre start to the season and were back among the NFL's elite.

Then Newton got hot, reminding the NFL world that he remains a perennial MVP candidate and one of the league's most dangerous players. 

On Carolina's first drive in the fourth quarter, he led the Panthers 80 yards in 11 plays, capped off by a Curtis Samuel 14-yard run. The next time he got the ball, the Panthers went 87 yards in just seven plays, culminating in an 18-yard strike to Devin Funchess.

And when Newton got the ball one last time, with 2:17 remaining, he took the Panthers 69 yards in 10 plays and just 55 seconds, highlighted by a 4th-and-10 conversion to Torrey Smith that went 35 yards and the eventual game-winner to Olsen.

It took Newton three quarters to get the fire started, but once he did, he burned Lincoln Financial Field to the ground. 

Because of Newton, the Panthers are never fully out of a game. Because of Newton, the Panthers remain a serious NFC contender. Because of Newton, the defending Super Bowl champions are now 3-4 and licking their wounds.

This isn't new. In a Week 3 win over the Cincinnati Bengals, Newton threw two touchdowns and ran for two scores. He nearly led a comeback in a Week 2 shootout loss to the Atlanta Falcons. He's now thrown for 11 touchdowns and just four interceptions while rushing for another three scores. He remains a threat through the air and one of the game's most mobile and unique threats when he turns into a runner.

Yes, Newton can be inconsistent. Yes, Panthers fans would probably have preferred the offense kick into gear a bit sooner. But the defense held enough to give Newton a shot, and he didn't disappoint.

That is why the Panthers are never out of a game. More importantly, that is why they aren't out of the conversation when discussing the NFC's elite.

Eagles Secondary Keeping Them from Being Elite

Newton deserves credit for orchestrating a majestic comeback. But blame has to also fall on the Eagles secondary.

The Eagles' four losses have come by a combined 15 points. In those games, the Eagles have given up nine passing touchdowns and 1,316 passing yards. And in losses against the Tennessee Titans and Panthers, the Eagles gave up four touchdown passes in the fourth quarter or overtime.

Opposing wide receivers have chewed up Philadelphia's corners. Against Tampa Bay, the Eagles gave up 20 receptions for 276 yards and three touchdowns to Tampa's wideouts. Tennessee's wide receivers went for 19 receptions, 271 yards and two scores. Minnesota's wideouts torched them for 20 receptions, 228 yards and a score.

Late in the game against Carolina, Smith's catch and long run gave the Panthers life on fourth down, while Devin Funchess torched Ronald Darby with an inside move on his touchdown reception. 

Philadelphia does have injuries in the secondary. Free safety Rodney McLeod is out for the season. Slot corner Sidney Jones was out Sunday. Things are a bit patchwork in that regard, and it showed Sunday: 

Sure, the secondary alone can't take the blame for Philly's loss. Jake Elliott missed a field goal. Wentz couldn't come up with a big play to halt Carolina's momentum in the fourth quarter or lead the team to a game-winning touchdown late in the fourth quarter. The Eagles never established a rushing game, accumulating just 58 yards on the ground.

But it was the secondary that broke down most severely in the fourth quarter against the Panthers, much as it did in the overtime loss three weeks ago against the Titans.

The Eagles are deep and talented on the defensive line, manage the game with their generally balanced, ball-control offense and have a legitimate star in Wentz. But if opposing quarterbacks continue to dissect their secondary, none of that will matter. Until that unit improves its play, the Eagles aren't just in danger of failing to defend their title—they're in danger of missing the postseason altogether.

What's Next?

The Eagles travel to London next Sunday morning to face the Jacksonville Jaguars (3-4) at 9:30 a.m. ET, while the Panthers will host the Baltimore Ravens (4-2) later that day at 1 p.m. ET.