Carolina Panthers Fall Short Against Eagles Despite Gritty Effort

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Steven Corder | Last updated Dec 8, 2024 6:15 PM ET

The Carolina Panthers had a golden opportunity to pull off a major upset against the Philadelphia Eagles, but a late drive fell just short, resulting in a 22-16 loss. Despite being heavy underdogs, Carolina showed resilience, proving they can hang with the league’s best. However, missed opportunities and inconsistent play prevented the Panthers from sealing the win.

Missed Opportunities Haunt Carolina

The Panthers’ chances to beat the Eagles came down to the final seconds. Bryce Young, who threw for 191 yards on 19-of-34 passing, orchestrated a potential game-winning drive that reached Philadelphia’s 38-yard line. A fourth-down pass to Xavier Legette in the end zone sparked hope, but it was ruled incomplete. Young’s performance was a mix of promise and frustration, with a costly second-quarter interception leading to an Eagles touchdown.

Carolina also struggled to capitalize on strong field position early in the game, settling for a field goal instead of a possible touchdown. Eddy Pineiro’s missed extra point in the third quarter further exemplified their inability to convert critical moments into points.

Players Who Stepped Up

Chuba Hubbard was a bright spot for the Panthers, rushing for 92 yards and a touchdown on 26 carries. His effort pushed him past 1,000 yards for the season—a career milestone. Veteran wideout Adam Thielen also shined, catching nine passes for 102 yards, including crucial third- and fourth-down conversions.

On defense, linebacker Josey Jewell led the way with 10 tackles and two for a loss, while defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero’s scheme kept the Eagles’ passing attack in check. Despite giving up 211 rushing yards, including 124 to Saquon Barkley, the defense applied consistent pressure on Jalen Hurts, recording four sacks.

Need for More Consistency

For Carolina to take the next step, their offensive line and secondary must perform better under pressure. Bryce Young was hit eight times, forcing him to scramble on key plays. Meanwhile, rookie receiver Xavier Legette struggled with drops, including a potential game-winning touchdown, highlighting the need for young players to deliver in high-pressure moments.

Defensively, the Panthers need to shore up their run defense. Philadelphia’s dominance on the ground, led by Barkley and Hurts, exposed a glaring weakness, as Carolina allowed nearly seven yards per carry.

Does Cam Newton Have Unresolved Beef With Panthers?

The Road Ahead

The Panthers showed they can compete with top teams, but moral victories won’t change their 3-10 record. With several players nursing injuries, including cornerback Jaycee Horn and running back Jonathan Brooks, the team faces significant challenges in the final stretch of the season.

Cam Newton Gets Told by Shedeur Sanders He’s on Some "Weird S***"

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: