A pair of NFC teams looking to get back into the playoffs matchup in Week 2 of the 2013 NFL preseason, with the Carolina Panthers visiting the Philadelphia Eagles.
- When:
Thurs., Aug. 15th, 2013 @ 7:30pm ET
- Where:
Lincoln Financial Field, Phil, PA
- Who’s Favored?
Eagles By 3 ~ 42 o/u @ BetOnline
- More Info:
Both teams got out on the field last Friday night for their first preseason game. Philadelphia lost to the New England Patriots 31-22. But in spite of the loss there were some encouraging signs from the quarterback perspective.
The competition for the starting quarterback is still open and will likely be either Michael Vick or Nick Foles. But rookie Matt Barkley who was selected in the fourth round looked pretty good as well. Barkley got the majority of the snaps last Friday, going 11 of 22 for 103 yards and a touchdown. Vick started the game, but Foles will start against the Panthers. This is not a decision based on performance, this was a predetermined order of business from head coach Chip Kelly. Foles will start against Carolina and will probably play for most of the first quarter.
As for Carolina, there quarterback position is set with Cam Newton. The Panthers defeated the Chicago Bears 24-17 in Week 1. One of the players to watch for this game is rookie running back Kenjon Barner. He carried the ball nine times for 37 yards and a touchdown in his debut. Barner has the potential to be a big playmaker just like he was at Oregon during his time in college. He is a very quick runner, though surprisingly powerful as well. He is a rookie to keep an eye on in 2013.
The Eagles defense had trouble stopping the run of the Patriots last week, which included giving up a 70-yard touchdown to LeGarrette Blount, who doesn’t have near the speed of Barner. This should be a stern test of Philadelphia.