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Eagles 28, Panthers 23: Five quick observations

The Eagles forced three interceptions out of Cam Newton, all of them on third down.

Eagles defensive end Derek Barnett sacks Panthers quarterback Cam Newton.
Eagles defensive end Derek Barnett sacks Panthers quarterback Cam Newton.Read moreYONG KIM / Staff Photographer

Bringing the heat: The Eagles pressured Cam Newton most of the night, mostly with a four-man rush, but also with blitzes, including a big one on a third-and-10 late in the game that produced Newton's third interception of the game. Fletcher Cox, back after missing two games with a calf injury, was a constant disruptive force in the middle.

The third-down battle: The Eagles and Panthers came into the game ranked 1-2 in third-down efficiency. But the Eagles defense, even without middle linebacker Jordan Hicks most of the game (ankle), held the Panthers to just four third-down conversions. All three of Cam Newton's interceptions came on third down. The Eagles converted five of 14 third downs, four of nine in the first half. Carson Wentz, who leads the NFL in third-down passing, threw his seventh third-down touchdown pass, this one to Zach Ertz.

The coverage: The Eagles did a good job most of the game of keeping the Panthers' receivers in front of them and limiting their yards after the catch. Cam Newton, who had averaged almost 11 yards per attempt the previous two games, was held to 4.6 yards per attempt.

Jake the Snake comes through again: Elliott and his reliable leg had 50- and 48-yard field goals. He now has made 10 in a row, including seven from 46 yards or longer.

The controversial penalty: Derek Barnett was called for a roughing the passer penalty on a third-and-10 at the Philadelphia 23 with 9 ½ minutes left. The officials had called a delay of game penalty on Carolina just before the snap, but neither Barnett nor Brandon Graham heard the whistle and hit Cam Newton. The Panthers went on to score and make it a five-point game.

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