The Carolina Panthers needed a big win off the bye week and avoid a letdown, and they did just that.
The Panthers went on the road and took down one of the NFL's premier franchises, the Philadelphia Eagles, in an impressive but sluggish performance on both sides of the ball. Carolina's defense was the most impressive, with its aggressive and disciplined play.
With that in mind, here are nine gut reactions from Sunday's win at Lincoln Financial Field as the Panthers moved to 3-2 on the season, remaining in first place in the NFC South.
9 takeaways from the Carolina Panthers impressive road win
1. This game was marred by numerous penalties, including for the Panthers, who had 13 for a record 149 yards. Some of these penalties were questionable calls, but others were boneheaded mistakes from players on both sides of the ball. Right guard Robert Hunt had two illegal man downfield calls, continuing his rough season, but overall, it was not a hallmark performance in the name of Panthers football, which head coach Dave Canales called outrageous.
2. We can't talk about this game without mentioning linebacker Bobby Okereke, who had eight tackles, three tackles for loss, two passes defended, and a sack on the opening play of the game. This was his best game in the NFL in a while, and his impact was felt throughout the game as a blitzer, run-stopper, and coverage defender.
3. Staying with the defense, the pass rush was outstanding, and defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero deserves a lot of credit for the aggressive approach. The Panthers were in the backfield and penetrated the pocket consistently with three sacks and 11 quarterback hits. It was one of the marquee displays from the defense so far this season.
4. Right tackle Taylor Moton made his triumphant return from blood clots with a stout performance against the Eagles' pass rush. The pocket was clean numerous times thanks to Moton, whose presence was welcomed in the win.
5. I couldn't get enough of Tommy Tremble today, as the sixth-year tight end was one of the best players on the field for Carolina. He caught four passes for 46 receiving yards and two touchdowns while springing some runs and key first-down carries for running back Chuba Hubbard, acting as a fullback on some plays. This was a highlight player of the game for the Panthers.
6. Rookie cornerback Will Lee III may have given up a touchdown late in the game, but the coverage on that play was great, which also describes his day as the team's No. 1 cornerback. Lee was stout in man coverage and showed serious growth once more in zone shell assignments. Something about wearing No. 24.
7. Bryce Young didn't have the cleanest day, but he still made throws when it counted as he continues to put up big numbers, including his fifth consecutive game with at least 280 passing yards. The Panthers' franchise quarterback is having a great season and is a major factor as to why they sit at 3-2 after five games.
8. Chuba Hubbard is quietly putting on a great season with 28 carries, 120 rushing yards, and a touchdown in the win over the Eagles. Good things are happening when No. 30 gets 20 or more touches in a game, and Hubbard continues to show just how reliable he is to the offense when they need him.
9. Offensive coordinator Brad Idzik did not have a flagship day as a play-caller, with some indecisiveness in play choices for certain situations. He played into Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio's hands and got bit too often. However, he did rebound with some strong drives and better consistency later in the game.
Add us as a preferred source on Google