The Carolina Panthers are brimming with confidence after a professional Week 6 win over the Philadelphia Eagles. And as the usual suspects got the hype, some understated efforts were integral to the team's triumph.
It wasn't the most memorable game, and the Panthers made it harder than it needed to be. The result mattered most, and Carolina is now 3-2 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers coming up next time out at Bank of America Stadium.
Head coach Dave Canales' squad is stacking positives. Momentum is everything in the NFL, and the Panthers have a ton of it. And this has been a collective effort to sit atop the NFC South after comfortably securing success at Lincoln Financial Field.
With that in mind, here are four unsung heroes from the Panthers' Week 6 triumph over the Eagles.
Carolina Panthers players whose work against the Eagles deserves a second look
Taylor Moton, OT
After a long absence from the gridiron due to blood clots, the Panthers welcomed back right tackle Taylor Moton. Fans eagerly awaited it, and the Western Michigan product delivered.
Moton picked up where he left off as the model of consistency. He played every snap despite missing all of the season so far and the entire summer. The franchise cornerstone looked sharp in pass protection, and while there were a couple of rusty moments, that's to be expected.
This gave everyone a massive lift, and if Moton continues this form, the Panthers' protection will be in good shape.
Nick Scott, S
There's no denying Nick Scott still has his critics. But he's not being talked about much now, and considering how things went for the veteran safety earlier in his Panthers career, that is not a bad thing.
Scott has always had defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero's trust, even when most fans wanted him benched or cast off the team entirely. This faith is being rewarded, with the player's leadership and assurance earning significant praise.
The former Penn State standout once again performed well against the Eagles. Scott has improved his positional sense, stayed more disciplined, and made his tackles count. That's all you can ask for.
Rasheed Walker, OT
The offensive line dynamic could change when first-round rookie Monroe Freeling returns from injury, and Rasheed Walker might be the one to make way. However, based on this showing, Canales has a real conundrum.
Walker's had some difficulties to start the campaign, but this was arguably his best outing since joining the club. At times, he lost a step, but it was an accomplished performance overall that should stand him in good stead in his bid to keep his starting spot.
Akayleb Evans, CB
Rookie cornerback Will Lee III's breakout performance is getting the headlines, and rightfully so. But keeping faith with Akayleb Evans after a rough Sunday Night Football outing against the Detroit Lions was a bold yet rewarding move.
The Panthers could have moved off Evans over the bye week. Instead, they kept him in the lineup, and though it wasn't perfect, he looked much more comfortable in the system, and Philadelphia's under-strength offense was the perfect chance to bounce back.
Derrick Brown, DL
Pro Bowl defensive lineman Derrick Brown may have recorded only two tackles on the day, but a closer look at the game film shows the Auburn product was a key factor in Carolina's second straight victory.
Brown commanded double teams constantly. He absorbed them well, pushing the pile and clogging up running lanes with ease. His ability to hold his base and make space for others is rare, and it's having a positive ripple effect on their entire defensive front seven.
The No. 7 overall selection in 2020 isn't filling up the stat sheet. But make no mistake; Brown is still making his presence felt.
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