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The Panthers committed two turnovers on their first three
plays from scrimmage via a fumble and interception to set the
tone for an inept road display.
The defense and special teams units joined the offense in
scoring points for the Eagles, who were as good as Carolina was
bad, with the final scoreline flattering the Panthers thanks to
some late touchdowns.
The win consolidated Philadelphia's place at the top of the NFC
East at 7-2, while the Panthers missed a chance to leapfrog New
Orleans for the NFC South lead, losing their fourth straight
game to drop to 3-6-1.
Sanchez, getting his first start for the injured Nick Foles
after his move from the New York Jets in the off-season, threw
for 332 yards and two touchdowns, while running back Darren
Sproles and wide receiver Jordan Matthews both scored twice.
Carolina quarterback Cam Newton had a night to forget as he was
battered by the Eagles, getting sacked nine times, five in the
opening half, while throwing three interceptions and fumbling
twice.
After a Cody Parker field goal and Sproles eight-yard rushing
touchdown set the Eagles on course in the opening
three-and-a-half minutes, the Panthers hit back with a Jonathan
Stewart touchdown to close to 10-7.
The Eagles then took off.
Sproles split them open with a dynamic 65-yard punt return for a
touchdown before Sanchez connected with Matthews for a 13-yard
score and a 24-7 lead.
Cornerback Bradley Fletcher joined the party with a 34-yard
interception return as the home side surged to a 31-7 halftime
advantage.
LeSean McCoy went over untouched from a yard early in the second
half and Matthews found his way in from 18 yards in the fourth
quarter to stretch to 45-7 before a pair of late Kelvin Benjamin
consolation touchdowns capped the scoring.
(Writing by Ben Everill in Los Angeles; Editing by John O'Brien)
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