4 big storylines to watch during Carolina Panthers vs. Eagles in Week 5
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers containing Jalen Hurts
The key to this game for the Carolina Panthers is containing Jalen Hurts. A task that’s easier said than done thanks to the quarterback’s eye-catching dual-threat ability.
Hurts won the starting job from Carson Wentz much earlier than expected. Although the Eagles have just a 1-3 record to show from their efforts this season, the Oklahoma product has put together some impressive numbers en route to a 79.2 grade from Pro Football Focus through Week 4.
Carolina has the pass-rushing tools to cause Hurts problems in the pocket. But they must be more disciplined in terms of structure and cannot oversell themselves.
Otherwise, Hurts is just going to carry the ball for potentially big gains.
Philadelphia won’t have the benefit of stud right tackle Lane Johnson for this one, who misses the contest due to a personal matter. However, Jordan Mailata is back and should start in the spot, with Andre Dillard – a former first-round pick – coming in at the left tackle position.
Phil Snow has done a nice job of putting together the right scheme this season outside of last weekend at the Dallas Cowboys. Hurts is another complex player to decipher and the players also need to execute a little better in pursuit of returning to the win column.