The Philadelphia Eagles, fresh off a three-game losing streak and looking to avoid a disastrous 2-4 start, are already trailing the Carolina Panthers 3-0 after a rough first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. With Jalen Hurts sidelined on injured reserve, all eyes are on Tanner McKee in his first game where the Eagles genuinely need him to perform, and man, was that first quarter a bumpy ride.
McKee and the Offense Can’t Find Their Rhythm Early
Panthers won the coin toss, deferred, and immediately put the Eagles on offense at their own 26-yard line. What happened next? A quick sack for McKee from unblocked pressure on a play-action pass. Not exactly the confidence booster you want for your starting QB in a must-win game. McKee’s very first throw wasn’t much better, sailing a little wide of Makai Lemon, bouncing off his hands, and nearly getting picked off. Facing a brutal 3rd-and-21, McKee had to check down to Dameon Pierce for a few yards, setting up an immediate punt. That’s three plays, zero yards, and a quick exit. The offense looked totally out of sorts and confused from the jump, which is never a good sign.
Their second drive didn’t fare much better after Britain Covey muffed the kick return, leaving the Eagles to start at their own 22. McKee was under pressure again, with Jake Majors losing his battle up front, leading to an incompletion. Another short pass to Pierce for a loss set up 3rd-and-13. Makai Lemon made a diving grab that got ruled incomplete by replay, even though it looked like he might’ve had it. Either way, it was well short of the sticks. Another three plays, negative three yards this time, and another punt.
Panthers Take Advantage of Sloppy Eagles Play
Carolina didn’t waste much time putting points on the board after the Eagles’ initial punt. Starting at their own 39-yard line, the Panthers quickly marched into field goal range. The Eagles defense did hunker down nicely on a 3rd-and-3 run from the plus 30, holding Carolina to no gain. Still, the Panthers settled for a 47-yard field goal, and while it bounced off the right upright and in, it still counted. Eagles 0, Panthers 3. It’s a tough break to give up points on a fluky kick, but the Eagles’ offense simply isn’t helping them out.
The Panthers’ second possession saw Andrew Mukuba give up a first down to Tetairoa McMillan, though an illegal contact penalty on Mukuba was declined. But Nolan Smith, who’s been a beast, picked up his third sack of the season, blowing past a tight end and punishing Bryce Young for holding onto the ball too long. On 3rd-and-12, Young underthrew Darren Waller, and the ball literally bounced off Riq Woolen’s helmet for a stop. Hey, whatever works to get a defensive stand, right?
Eagles Scramble to Regroup After Rough First Quarter
So, the Eagles are down 3-0 after the first quarter, still looking for their first positive yardage on offense and with Tanner McKee clearly struggling to settle in. This team desperately needs to break its three-game slide and get back to .500 at 3-3. Falling to 2-4 would be a huge gut punch, especially at home against a team they’re underdogs to. The next quarter is absolutely crucial for them to turn things around, protect McKee, and get some kind of offensive spark going.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleeding Green Nation.
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