The Philadelphia Eagles are now 2-3 on the 2026 NFL season after dropping another game this past weekend to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Philadelphia grabbed a late lead against the Jaguars with only eight seconds left in the game, only for their special teams unit to give up the game. The Eagles now head into Week 6 of the season looking to break their three-game losing streak, with the team taking on the Carolina Panthers.
Carolina is coming off a bye week, with the team being more rested entering the game against Philadelphia. The Eagles had to travel back from London before this game, but at least they are hosting the contest against the Panthers.
But if history is any indication, the Eagles may have a hard time this coming week against the Panthers. This game between the Eagles and Panthers will mark the fifth time in NFL history that a team coming off an international game will be playing a squad that is coming off a bye.
In the previous four instances, the team that was coming off the international contest has lost the game. While this may not mean anything for the Eagles this week, the trend is certainly an interesting one.
The Eagles are going to have to be ready to go in this game, facing off against the Panthers' top-ranked passing attack. Carolina is coming into the matchup being ranked No. 2 in the NFL in terms of their passing offense.
Philadelphia will need to make sure that they make quarterback Bryce Young uncomfortable throughout the game, not allowing him to get into a rhythm. Young has performed much better than expected this season, and the Eagles will have to contain this offense in the best way possible.
For the Eagles, the team will be hoping that they can get back star running back Saquon Barkley and star wide receiver DeVonta Smith, both of which missed the game against the Jaguars. Each player has been dealing with ongoing hamstring injuries, and this has hurt the Philadelphia offensive attack greatly.
If the stars can play, it would give the Eagles a much better chance to take down the Panthers in the game this week. But if they can't give it a go, Philadelphia could be in some real trouble facing Carolina.
Kickoff for the game between the Eagles and Panthers is scheduled to take place at 10:00 a.m. PT/1:00 p.m. ET.