–Panthers quarterback Cam Newton is 2-2 in his career against the Eagles, with six touchdown passes and nine interceptions. He has been sacked 14 times in those games. As a runner, Newton averages 4.8 yards per carry in those four games on 31 attempts.
“If you don’t prepare for Cam Newton and his ability to carry the ball, you’ll probably have a rough day against him,” said Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins. “They have designed runs, they have power runs. He’s more of a power running back than half the running backs they have. He’s tough to get on the ground. At the same time, you can’t commit 1,000 guys to the run because he can pick it up and throw it, and they have more than capable guys to make plays on the back end. That’s what makes it a challenge to match up with these guys.”
–The Eagles scored a statement win over the Panthers in Carolina last year, winning 28-23 on Oct. 12 – a Thursday night game – to move to 5-1. “Two good football teams playing each other on a Thursday night game, short week, and gosh, both teams played well,” Pederson recalled of last year’s game. “Defense played extremely well in that game. Offense made some plays. We were fortunate enough to come away way with a victory on the road. This year it’s no different. Two good football teams. Two aggressive style defenses. You’re going to see RPO game by the Panthers; going to see 22, (Panthers running back Christian) McCaffrey, kind of all over the field.
“It’s a good test for not only the defense, but offensively this is probably one of the bigger fronts we’re going to see all season long. Very aggressive downhill guys … It’s going to have to be a complete game if we expect to win. Yeah, it’s going to be a really good test for us to see where we are in Week 7.”
–The Eagles’ rush defense slipped from first in the league to second this week after surrendering 130 yards on the ground to the Giants’ Saquon Barkley. “He was tough to handle,” said defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. “A lot of our game plan went to trying to minimize (Giants wide receiver) Odell Beckham’s touches. It made us a little bit more vulnerable to a running back. That was the calculated risk.”
Now comes the challenge of trying to stop Christian McCaffrey, who is averaging 4.9 yards per carry.
“No. 22 (McCaffrey) is a problem, but for us, we just have to focus play in and play out, play as a defense and not try to do another guy’s job,” said defensive tackle Fletcher Cox.
–Panthers receiver Torry Smith helped the Eagles win a Super Bowl last year, his only year in Philadelphia. He caught 36 passes for 430 yards and two touchdowns.
“To be a part of a special team, a special unit, is something I’ll never forget and the city will never forget,” said Smith. “My family is still up there, I’m still in Philadelphia all the time, and it’s pretty special to know every time you pass the Linc or come in contact with a fan how much it meant to be a small part of that.”
BY THE NUMBERS: 4 — Number of first downs Carson Wentz has run for in four games since his return from offseason knee surgery. A year ago, he ran for 299 in 13 games. The dip in picking up first downs with his legs was something Wentz touched on during the week. “I felt great coming back with my knee and where I’m at with all of that,” he said. “It’s something we’ve talked about over and over in the offseason, learning to protect myself, slide, all that stuff, and I feel that’s been fairly successful. I’m always looking to make plays with my arm first, but when I need to feel good making them with my legs.”