/Carolina Panthers Sloppy in Second Preseason Game

Carolina Panthers Sloppy in Second Preseason Game

The Carolina Panthers were back in action on Thursday night when they traveled to Lincoln Financial Field to take on the Philadelphia Eagles. It was a sloppy night in all aspects for the Panthers and the result was a 14-9 loss.

The offense started the game slow and it was the offensive line that was struggling early. Pass protection and blitz pickup were issues in the first quarter which did not allow the offense to put together any consistent drives. The second quarter was a little better as the Panthers put together some solid drives but had to settle for two field goals. Cam Newton and the starters played the entire first half and Newton finished 8-for-17 for 112 yards. Steve Smith caught three balls for 34 yards but overall it was a pretty uneventful half for the first team offense.

The defense also had an up and down night trying to go against the high paced Eagles offense. Philadelphia’s up tempo style kept the defense on its heels for much of the first half and had no problem moving the ball up and down the field. The Panthers were able make up for giving up the long drives by creating two turnovers early on. The first on an interception in the end zone by Josh Thomas and then the second coming on a forced fumble by Thomas Davis.  Davis looked good totaling six tackles and being in the mix on a lot of plays.

Carolina would trail 14-6 at the half and not much would change throughout the rest of the game . The Panthers tried to rally late but came up short to fall to 1-1 on the preseason.  One bright spot for this team was the continued re-emergence of David Gettis. Gettis had five catches for 82 yards and showed that he has to be considered for the number three wide receiver spot. Gettis showed off his hands on catches over the middle, the sideline and down the field. With Armanti Edwards and Domenik Hixon battling hamstring injuries, Gettis is making the most of his opportunity.

The Carolina Panthers will be back on the field next Thursday night when they travel to take on the Baltimore Ravens on national television on ESPN. After an inconsistent performance tonight the Panthers will be looking to get back on track as they get ready for the regular season.