Carolina Panthers most historic game at Philadelphia Eagles revisited
One of the most historic games in Carolina Panthers history took place on the road against the Philadelphia Eagles.
The ‘City of Brotherly Love’ hasn’t been kind to the Carolina Panthers over the years, losing four of their six games in Philadelphia. However, one win was especially significant in franchise history and despite being 15 years ago, one Panthers player who played then, remains a part of the team this year.
Julius Peppers, in his second year after being drafted by the Panthers, racked up two tackles for a defense that carried the 2003 team into the history books with the franchise’s first Super Bowl appearance. Facing a 12-4 Eagles team in their fourth consecutive playoffs and third straight NFC Championship, the Carolina defense wouldn’t be intimidated.
The Panthers avenged a 25-16 loss to the Eagles in Charlotte earlier in the year and won for the first time ever in Philadelphia. Since, Carolina has returned four times with only one other victory (2012) as they prepare for another trip this Sunday.
Rookie defensive back Ricky Manning intercepted Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb three times in the game with Carolina finally capitalizing on his final takeaway. The Panthers scored their second touchdown of the game four plays later and the defense would hold to maintain a 14-3 victory.
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Carolina sacked McNabb four times and by the Eagles first fourth-quarter possession, he had been removed from the game with a rib injury. Backup Koy Detmer entered and was intercepted by linebacker Dan Morgan on the Panthers own nine-yard line essentially ending any hope at a comeback.
Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme threw only 14 passes as running backs Stephen Davis and DeShaun Foster carried the load for Carolina. Combining for 136 yards and one touchdown, the tandem shortened a tight game, especially after the third-quarter Foster score put the Panthers up by two possessions.
In only the Panthers second visit to the playoffs, coach John Fox made a trip to the Super Bowl one year after taking over with this win in Philadelphia. Carolina would fall to New England but with only four NFC Championship game appearances ever, this win remains one of the most historic in franchise history.
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Carolina returns to Lincoln Financial Field this Sunday seeking their third win in Philadelphia and first on the road this season.