Week 13 Game Recap: Carolina Panthers 24, Philadelphia Eagles 27

What you need to know

Carolina Panthers

The Panthers blew a fourth quarter lead for the fifth time this season after being intercepted in the end zone with the game on the line.

Jake Delhomme struggled for much of the first half but he did find Steve Smith and Keyshawn Johnson for touchdowns. The team had to punt on six other drives during the half. Delhomme watched DeAngelo Williams take a short pass 35 yards for another score, but he faltered on the last two drives and threw two interceptions.

DeAngelo Williams started the game at running back after DeShaun Foster was inactive. Williams had a big game and ran for 74 yards on 17 carries. His biggest contribution came in the passing game and he ended with 101 receiving yards and a 35 yard touchdown reception.

Steve Smith was only targeted six times and was double-teamed, but he still managed to score the Panthers’ opening touchdown on a nine yard reception. He then had a 38 yard reception before drawing a pass interference penalty which resulted in a one yard touchdown for Keyshawn Johnson.

The Panthers’ defense forced the Eagles to punt on seven of eight possessions in the first half, but still allowed 402 total net yards in the game after a second half collapse. The defense could not create any turnovers in the game and managed just one sack.

Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles overcame a slow start to mount a fourth quarter comeback. Jeff Garcia threw for 312 yards and three touchdowns after the team switched its focus to the deep passing game in the second half. He found Brian Westbrook for an eight yard score in the first half, and then hit Donte Stallworth for a 30 yard touchdown before finding Reggie Brown for a 40 yard touchdown to tie the game.

Brian Westbrook gained 124 yards from scrimmage and scored on an eight yard reception. He missed the start of the second half after having his toe examined, but he returned during the Eagles’ opening drive of the second half and participated in the remainder of the game.

Reggie Brown and Donte Stallworth each had nine targets, and were responsible for the two longest touchdowns of the game. Stallworth scored from 30 yards out and Brown tied the game with a 40 yard touchdown reception.

The Eagles’ defense forced the Panthers to punt on six occasions during the first half, but still gave up two scores. After the break, the Panthers were able to move the ball much more easily and the Eagles seemed to have no answer. But the final two Panthers’ drives were ended by interceptions. Brian Dawkins had the first before Lito Sheppard picked off Delhomme in the end zone with 28 second left in the game.

What you ought to know

QB Jake Delhomme, Pass: 22 - 37 - 269 - 3 TD / 2 INT, Rush: 1 - 10 - 0

Delhomme did not look sharp early in the game, but still posted good numbers in the first half. He led the team on a 63 yard drive on the Panthers’ second possession. He found DeAngelo Williams for a 41 yard gain and then threw the ball just out of bounds to Keyshawn Johnson on the edge of the end zone. Delhomme completed the drive with a 9 yard touchdown pass to Steve Smith. Delhomme was effective on the Panthers’ final drive of the first half. He threw a 27 yard pass to Keyshawn Johnson and then connected with Steve Smith for a 38 yard gain. He went back to Smith in the end zone and Smith drew a pass interference call. Delhomme threw a fade to Keyshawn Johnson for a one yard score to complete the drive. On the Panthers’ second drive of the second half, Delhomme threw a short pass to DeAngelo Williams. It was a risky decision thrown into coverage, but Williams made the catch and took the ball 35 yards for a touchdown. Delhomme was not so lucky on the Panthers’ final two possessions of the game. He threw a wayward pass intended for Nick Goings and was intercepted by Brian Dawkins. Trailing by three, Delhomme led the team inside the 10 yard line but was intercepted again after targeting Keyshawn Johnson in the end zone. Delhomme only targeted Steve Smith six times in the game.

RB DeAngelo Williams, Rush: 17 - 74 - 0, Rec: 7 - 101 - 1 (8 targets)

Williams started the game with DeShaun Foster inactive with his elbow injury. He converted on third and two with a two yard run, and then had a 41 yard reception to help set up the Panthers’ first score. Williams was more prominent in the second half. He took a short pass 35 yards and showed good speed to turn it into a touchdown. On the following drive, he had a 20 yard run to set up a field goal. Williams was a big part of the passing game, ending with 101 yards and a touchdown. He ran hard and totaled 74 yards on the ground after a slow start.

RB Eric Shelton, Rush: 4 - 9 - 0

Shelton was used to spell DeAngelo Williams in the running game. He had a total of nine yards from his four carries.

RB Brad Hoover, Rec: 2 - 6 - 0 (2 targets)

Hoover was not a big factor in the passing game. He caught both passes thrown his way for a total of six yards.

RB Nick Goings, Rec: 1 - 3 - 0 (3 targets)

Goings caught one of his three targets for a three yard gain. He was the intended target when Jake Delhomme was intercepted by Brian Dawkins. Goings was used to return kicks and did a good job in that area of the game.

RB DeShaun Foster

Foster was inactive for the game.

WR Steve Smith, Rush: 1 - 15 - 0, Rec: 4 - 54 - 1 (6 targets)

Smith saw a lot of double-teams as the Eagles attempted to take him out of the game. He did get open on the Panthers’ second drive, making a nine yard touchdown reception and walking into the end zone. Smith had a 38 yard gain on the final drive of the half and then drew a pass interference call when he was targeted in the end zone to give the Panthers the ball at the one yard line. Smith was only targeted twice in the second half, catching one for a three yard gain. He was used on a reverse as the Panthers looked to win the game and gained 15 yards to bring up first and goal.

WR Keyshawn Johnson, Rec: 4 - 65 - 1 (9 targets)

Johnson’s first target was caught out of bounds on the edge of the end zone. Delhomme looked for him deep on the Panthers’ final drive of the first half, but Johnson was called for offensive pass interference. He responded with a 27 yard catch on second and 16 and then caught a touchdown pass on a one yard fade. Johnson had a 12 yard gain to convert on third and six, and was a factor on the Panthers’ last possession of the game. Johnson made a spectacular leaping catch for a 24 yard gain but hurt his shoulder as he landed. He returned to the game and was the intended target in the end zone as the Panthers looked to recapture the lead. The pass was too high and Lito Sheppard intercepted it to seal the victory for the Eagles. Johnson was Delhomme’s favorite target on the day with nine targets.

WR Drew Carter, Rec: 1 - 5 - 0 (1 targets)

Carter only saw one target and he caught the pass for a five yard gain.

TE Kris Mangum, Rec: 2 - 23 - 0 (4 targets)

Mangum caught two of his three targets. The first went for a seven yard gain and the second gained 21 yards for a first down. He also had a drop in the game and had to leave with an injury on the final drive.

TE Michael Gaines, Rec: 1 - 12 - 0 (3 targets)

Gaines dropped his first target of the game and ended the game with one catch for 12 yards.

PK John Kasay 1 - 1 FG, 3 - 3 XP, 6 points

Kasay was perfect on the night, converting a 45 yard field goal and three extra point attempts.

CAR Rush Defense

The Panthers did well against the run to begin with and allowed just three gains of ten or more yards during the game. The Eagles were able to gain 98 net rushing yards, including two key scrambles for first downs by Jeff Garcia.

CAR Pass Defense

After forcing the Eagles to punt on their first six possessions, the Panthers eventually gave up a passing touchdown to Brian Westbrook. The defense struggled to restrict the big plays, and gave up gains of 51 yards, 40 yards and 30 yards, with the last two gains resulting in touchdowns. Julius Peppers did not record a sack, and the team combined for just one during the game (Mike Rucker). Jeff Garcia was able to scramble clear and avoid the pass rush on most occasions and the defense did not create any turnovers. Ken Lucas injured a hamstring and was unable to return.

QB Jeff Garcia, Pass: 21 - 39 - 312 - 3 TD / 0 INT, Rush: 5 - 12 - 0

Garcia watched the Eagles’ first six drives end in punts as he was unable to make much happen in the passing game. The Eagles then changed tactics and tried to stretch the field by passing deep. Donte Stallworth caught a 51 yard pass with one hand on the Eagles’ seventh drive. Garcia then looked for Stallworth in the end zone but the pass was off target and almost intercepted. Garcia found Reggie Brown for 11 yards to convert on third and ten, and then completed an 8 yard touchdown pass to Brian Westbrook who was open down the middle. The Eagles seemed to start the second half with the intent to use the deep passes even more. Garcia almost connected with Greg Lewis on a 45 yard pass, and it looked like pass interference. Unfortunately for the Eagles, the call never came. Garcia finished off the drive by scrambling clear and throwing to Donte Stallworth for a 30 yard touchdown. Garcia took a big hit on the following drive and looked like he might have to leave the game, but he was able to continue. Garcia made two big plays on the Eagles’ third drive of the second half. He found Westbrook for a 29 yard gain and then hit Reggie Brown on a well thrown 40 yard pass. With the game tied, Garcia scrambled for a vital ten yard gain and a first down to set up what turned out to be the winning field goal. Garcia looked very capable in this game, and he ended with three touchdowns and 312 passing yards.

RB Brian Westbrook, Rush: 16 - 68 - 0, Rec: 6 - 56 - 1 (11 targets)

Westbrook began the game slowly and struggled to gain anything on his first few carries. But he was able to get open down the middle and made an eight yard reception for the Eagles’ opening score late in the first half. Westbrook was late out for the start of the second half due to a toe injury, but he was back in the game during the Eagles’ opening drive of the half. He had a 20 yard run on the following possession, but appeared to be testing his toe between plays. He was fine, and made significant contributions later in the game. He gained 29 yards on a third down reception on the Eagles’ penultimate drive, and had a 12 yard run on their final possession. Westbrook lined up at quarterback for one play and took the snap, but the play resulted in a one yard loss. He ended the day with 124 yards from scrimmage and one touchdown.

RB Correll Buckhalter, Rush: 5 - 17 - 0, Rec: 3 - 25 - 0 (4 targets)

Buckhalter caught three of his four targets for a total of 25 yards. One screen play went for 13 yards to give the Eagles a first down. Buckhalter was used to spell Brian Westbrook in the running game.

RB Thomas Tapeh, Rec: 1 - 5 - 0 (1 targets)

Tapeh caught his only target for a gain of five yards.

WR Reggie Brown, Rush: 1 - 1 - 0, Rec: 5 - 79 - 1 (9 targets)

Brown saw three balls thrown in his direction in the first half. The first was thrown away by Garcia, but the second was caught for an 11 yard gain and a first down. The drive resulted in a Brian Westbrook touchdown. The Eagles utilized Brown more in the second half, especially deep. He caught a 14 yard pass to begin the half, and had two other short gains. His biggest contribution came on his last reception which resulted in a 40 yard touchdown.

WR Donte Stallworth, Rec: 4 - 111 - 1 (9 targets)

Stallworth dropped his first target and then had no chance with his next two. His first catch was for 12 yards and a first down. Stallworth’s best catch of the night was a one-handed grab that he took for 51 yards. The drive ended in a Brian Westbrook score. Garcia targeted Stallworth in the end zone on the same drive but the pass was inaccurate and almost intercepted. Stallworth began the second half by making a reception for a 30 yard touchdown. He had another 18 yard gain on the following drive. Stallworth looked to be moving well, despite doubts about his fitness after a hamstring problem.

WR Greg Lewis, Rec: 1 - 14 - 0 (2 targets)

Lewis was targeted twice but did not record a catch. He looked to have drawn pass interference on a 45 yard play, but the call never came.

WR Hank Baskett, Rec: 1 - 22 - 0 (4 targets)

Baskett caught his first target for a gain of 22 yards. He was targeted three more times in the game but did not make any further catches. One target was on a ball that Garcia threw away and it was uncatchable.

TE L.J. Smith (2 targets)

Smith dropped a pass on the Eagles’ first play from scrimmage. He was only targeted once more in the game and the ball was uncatchable.

PK David Akers 2 - 2 FG, 3 - 3 XP, 9 points

Akers made all of his kicks, converting field goals from 28 yards and 25 yards, as well as three extra point tries.

PHI Rush Defense

After struggling in recent games the Eagles’ run defense looked good in the first half, restricting DeAngelo Williams to 21 yards. As the game wore on, they did begin to give up more yardage. The Panthers ended with 108 net rushing yards at 4.7 yards per carry.

PHI Pass Defense

The Eagles had a bad day against the pass, but most of the damage was done on short passes to DeAngelo Williams. He was able to gain 101 receiving yards, including a 35 yard touchdown. Steve Smith and Keyshawn Johnson both caught touchdown passes. The defense allowed seven receptions of 20 yards or more, but won the game for the Eagles on the Panthers’ final two possessions. Brian Dawkins made an interception and returned it to the Panthers’ 37 to help set up a field goal try. The Panthers put together a good drive on their final possession, but Lito Sheppard intercepted a pass intended for Keyshawn Johnson in the end zone to seal the win.