Game Preview: Panthers vs Eagles
August 14, 2008
With training camp officially over, the Carolina Panthers leave Wofford College with some momentum. Despite some setbacks due to injuries and the Steve Smith suspension, a number of players had a fantastic training camp, and are looking to keep up the pace tonight against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Not only do the Panthers have some momentum from their performance in camp, they are also coming off a convincing showing against the Indianapolis Colts, on Saturday. But with that game behind them, the Panthers can’t afford to get ahead of themselves, because even though the Colts aren’t worthless without Peyton Manning, they were still nowhere near 100%. This game tonight against the Eagles will be a much bigger test for them, for one the Eagles are much healthier, and, the Panthers will look to see if they can carry over some of the success they had against the Colts.
Looking at the Eagles roster, most likely Philadelphia is going to be without only two starters, both of whom are on the offensive line. This means that Jake Delhomme, who will most likely be playing over a quarter, will be facing one of the best secondaries in the league, headed off by Pro Bowler Asante Samuel. Delhomme will have a chance to show everyone that he is back to 100%.
The key to the game will be the performance of the Panther’s offensive line. What will be interesting is whether or not the offensive line can open up the kind of holes for DeAngleo Williams they did against Indianapolis. If DeAngelo can have another big day, he will not only make things a lot easier for Delhomme, but will also cement his spot as the starter in the backfield come September. The running game will be a focal point, but the offensive line will need to show that they can protect Delhomme against a very good Eagles pass rush.
With the Panther’s diminished wide receiving corps, Mushing Muhammad and Jason Carter will get the start tonight, which means the Panthers will most likely try and get a running game established early. If Delhomme can put some drives together with Moose and Carter as his targets, it will be a successful night.
On the defensive side of the ball, Damione Lewis will return at DT, so the Panthers will have a healthy defensive line. With a weakened Eagles offensive line, the Panther’s defensive line should be able to pressure Donovan McNabb, and will need to because the Panthers will be without both starting corners. Jon Beason will be back as well, and will need to be on his game because the front seven need to control the line of scrimmage with Brain Westbrook in the backfield.
All in all though, it’s still just another preseason game. Last year the Panthers were in the same situation, playing the Eagles after a good preseason opener against the Giants. Last year though, they got crushed, going numerous three and outs in the first half. But with the way they started the regular season off, it showed you that the game really had no bearing on the season, and the same goes this year as well.
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