CHARLOTTE — The Panthers don’t have the attention this week that comes from being undefeated and playing the Cowboys.
That doesn’t make it any less important to them, heading into this week’s chance to go 1-0 against the Eagles.
The next opportunity comes in the Eagles, who have a different kind of running threat, and issues of their own.
Here’s a look at five things to watch heading into Sunday’s game.
RUN SAM, RUN
One of the statistics no one in the world of football would have expected through four weeks is for Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold to lead the league in rushing touchdowns.
His five rushing scores put him ahead of Ezekiel Elliott and Derrick Henry, and well, every other player in the league. And while everyone has sort of a half-grin when discussing it (like, “Are these people serious?”), Darnold’s athleticism does add an element to the offense, especially in the red zone.
“It’s been fun to be able to run the ball like that,” Darnold said. “But at the same time, I’ve got to get down, and not take those hits when I don’t have to. But it’s fun, going out there and playing football and being able to run a little bit. It’s a fun deal.
“I think it’s a product of all these really good players around me. All these safeties and corners and linebackers, they have to commit to trying to stop all these guys around me, and sometimes a quarterback run opens up, like it has the last few weeks.”
Offensive coordinator Joe Brady was asked this week if he went back to tape of their joint practices with the Ravens to steal some Lamar Jackson plays for Darnold. He broke character and laughed, knowing that Darnold might not be that kind of a runner, but he’s effective in his own way.
“You know what, nothing’s ever off the table,” Brady said. “I think when you get in the red zone you have to find ways to get creative and find ways to get eyes looking different ways, to switch up, to make red zone communication errors.
“I don’t think we’re necessarily at the point to run the ball like Lamar can do. But it’s definitely something else a team has to prepare for, and he’s made the most of the opportunities.”
Darnold, as is his custom, played it low-key when asked about his unusual statistical achievement. He laughed and told reporters he’d let them rank his best rushing moves. But he does enjoy being able to hand the ball to right tackle Taylor Moton in the end zone, to let him finish the traditional spike celebration.
“It’s about the same,” he replied when asked if he enjoyed running or passing for scores more. “I will say having the ball in my hand and getting to hand it to T-Mo for the spike, that’s a feeling I don’t usually have.”
LET’S GET PHYSICAL
Panthers wide receiver DJ Moore has made his own imprint on the stat sheet this year, as he’s tied for second in the league in receptions and fourth in receiving yards.
But he also got some earned praise this week from his coaches and teammates for his blocking ability as well. Not many receivers really want to lay people out (many of them aren’t built for it), but Moore is more than willing.
“Do I enjoy blocking? I mean sometimes, but it comes with the nature of the business as a receiver,” Moore said. “Delivering a hit, they’re more likely to bounce off of you and make a tackle. Getting hit is worse than delivering one.”
He laughed when asked about head coach Matt Rhule‘s assertion that in his day, Moore would have been a running back. Moore, for the record, is content to make cameo appearances only as a runner, and isn’t signing up for a position switch or anything.
“It’s always fun to be in the backfield,” Moore said. “We all did it as kids in little league. So it’s fun to get back there.
“Go back to it? Nah, I’ll stick with playing receiver. Running backs take a lot of hits.”
STOPPING THE LEAKAGE
The Panthers are going to have a new look on offense on Sunday, with left tackle Cameron Erving out. Rookie Brady Christensen could make his first start, though they haven’t specified where.
Regardless of the construction of the line, they know it needs to improve after last week’s issues at Dallas.
That’s why general manager Scott Fitterer was ready to admit he’s been looking for help there, while he’s been out trading for all the cornerbacks.
“I think that’s something you’re always looking at,” Fitterer said. “It’s not like there’s a lot of offensive linemen available. I think every team is in the same situation we are, looking for them.
“We like the guys we have here. I’m sure we’ll move some guys around, try different combinations. If you ask our guys, they’re all competing. Our own players would say they need to play better; there’s too much leakage in there. However, we love the way they’re going about it.
“There’s just not a lot of offensive linemen on the market right now. No one’s letting them out right now, even their backups.”
They still have until the Nov. 2 trade deadline, and it’s Fitterer, so you know he’s on the phones. But at the moment, they’re going to have to try to fix it from within.
BEING DISCIPLINED
The Eagles have their own offensive line issues, but they give quarterback Jalen Hurts some space to start with, to allow him to make the kind of run-around plays he’s known for.
Per NFL Research, the Eagles start out of the shotgun formation on 90.6 percent of their offensive snaps, the highest number in the league. (The Panthers take 50.4 percent of their snaps from the shotgun, the fifth-lowest number in the league).
Hurts has the ability to run himself, or run to buy time to fling it downfield. But his varied abilities and their run-pass option offense are a different challenge than the Panthers saw a week ago, so they have to adjust their game plan.
While everyone wants to sack quarterbacks, keeping Hurts in the pocket isn’t the worst idea, though that requires a gap discipline they didn’t have last week in Dallas.
HEY, I KNOW THAT GUY
While Gilmore won’t be eligible to play until Week 7, his main responsibilities at the moment are learning his new playbook, and learning the new people he’s surrounded by after the midweek trade that brought him from New England.
Defensive coordinator Phil Snow was walking him around the building introducing him to people, when the magnitude of trading for the 2019 NFL Defensive Player of the Year landed on him.
“I took him into the defensive line room to introduce him,” Snow recalled. “One of the rookies said, ‘We know who you are.’ So everybody knows who he is. That’s the only way I really know him, and I’m glad to have him.
“He’s been one of the best cover guys in the league for a long time. So obviously it allows us to send more than four people and not worry about who he’s on. It adds a lot to what we can do.”
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The Carolina Panthers play against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday Oct. 21, 2018 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA.
Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez/Carolina Panthers
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Carolina Panther Julius Peppers (90) sacks Philadelphia Eagle quarterback Carson Wentz at Bank of American Stadium on Thursday, October 12, 2017 in Charlotte, NC.
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Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb is hit by Carolina Panthers linebacker Greg Favors in the second quarter of the NFC Championship game in Philadelphia Sunday, Jan. 18, 2004. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
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Carolina Panther Cam Newton (1) scores a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles at Bank of American Stadium on Thursday, October 12, 2017 in Charlotte, NC.
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Carolina Panthers against the Philadelphia Eagles at Bank of American Stadium on Thursday, October 12, 2017 in Charlotte, NC.
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Carolina Panther Christian McCaffrey (22) carries the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles at Bank of American Stadium on Thursday, October 12, 2017 in Charlotte, NC.
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Carolina Panther Cam Newton (1) dives of the end zone but comes up a yard short against the Philadelphia Eagles at Bank of American Stadium on Thursday, October 12, 2017 in Charlotte, NC.
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Carolina Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams (34) runs with the ball in the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Monday, Nov. 26, 2012, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)
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Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Damaris Johnson (13) holds onto the ball as he is tackled by Carolina Panthers cornerback Josh Thomas in the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 26, 2012, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)
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Philadelphia Eagles running back Bryce Brown (34) is tackled by Carolina Panthers corner back Josh Norman (24) in the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 26, 2012, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)
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Carolina Panthers’ Jake Delhomme (17) is shown during an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
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Injured Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick stands on the field with Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) after an NFL football game Monday, Nov. 26, 2012, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)
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Carolina Panthers wide receiver Brandon LaFell (11) runs past Philadelphia Eagles strong safety Nate Allen (29) for a 43-yard touchdown reception in the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 26, 2012, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)
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Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jeff Garcia (7) is tackled by Carolina Panthers’ Kris Jenkins in the second half of their football game Monday, Dec. 4, 2006 in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Rusty Kennedy)
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Carolina Panthers’ Kelvin Benjamin pulls in a touchdown pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Monday, Nov. 10, 2014, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Michael Perez)
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Carolina Panthers against the Philadelphia Eagles at Bank of American Stadium on Thursday, October 12, 2017 in Charlotte, NC.
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Carolina Panthers against the Philadelphia Eagles at Bank of American Stadium on Thursday, October 12, 2017 in Charlotte, NC.
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Carolina Panthers runningback Stephen Davis (48) is brought down by Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Mark Simoneau (50) while Eagles defenders converge during the second half Sunday, Oct. 17, 2004 in Philadelphia.(AP Photo/Miles Kennedy)
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Philadelphia Eagles defense and Carolina Panthers offense line up over the ball during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 26, 2012, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)
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Carolina Panthers’ Steve Smith is shown during an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)
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Carolina Panther James Bradberry (24) makes a tackle against the Philadelphia Eagles at Bank of American Stadium on Thursday, October 12, 2017 in Charlotte, NC.
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Carolina Panthers’ DeAngelo Williams (34) pushes past Philadelphia Eagles’ Sheldon Brown, center, as Eagles’ Jeremiah Trotter, left, follows the action during the first quarter of their football game Monday, Dec. 4, 2006, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
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Carolina Panthers’ Julius Peppers (90) and DeShaun Foster celebrate victory after they defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 14-3 during the NFC championship game Sunday, Jan. 18, 2004, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
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Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) reacts after scoring a touchdown in the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Monday, Nov. 26, 2012, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)
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Carolina Panthers’ Steve Smith (89) is shown during an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009. (AP Photo/Rick Havner)
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Philadelphia Eagles’ Donovan McNabb (5) falls into the end zone for a touchdown in the third quarter as Carolina Panthers’ Richard Marshall (31) and Quinton Teal (26) defend during an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009. McNabb was injured on the play. (AP Photo/Rick Havner)
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Carolina Panthers safety Mike Minter (30) drops the ball thrown to Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Terrell Owens, right, in the end zone as Panthers cornerback Ricky Manning Jr. (24) defends in the first quarter Sunday, Oct. 17, 2004, in Philadelphia. Two plays later, the Eagles settled for a field goal on the drive. (AP Photo/Miles Kennedy)
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FILE – In this Dec. 4, 2006 file photo, Carolina Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme reacts after he threw to DeAngelo Williams for a touchdown in the third quarter of their football game against the Philadelphia Eagles in Philadelphia. The Panthers signed Delhomme to a five-year, $42.5 million extension on Thursday, April 23, 2009, that keeps their quarterback under contract through the 2014 season. (AP Photo/Rusty Kennedy, File)
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Carolina Panthers running back DeShaun Foster (20) scores a touchdown against the defense of Philadelphia Eagles strong safety Michael Lewis (32) and linebacker Nate Wayne (54) during the third quarter of the NFC Championship game in Philadelphia Sunday, Jan. 18, 2004. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)
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Carolina Panthers’ DeShaun Foster (20) scores a touchdown in the third quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles during the NFC championship game Sunday, Jan. 18, 2004, in Philadelphia. Eagles’ Michael Lewis (32) and Mark Simoneau failed to contain him. Panthers’ Brad Hoover (45) is visible. (AP Photo/Chris Gardner)
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Carolina Panthers cornerback Rickey Manning (24) runs back an interception as Philadelphia Eagles Hank Fraley (63) pursues during the third quarter of the NFC Championship game in Philadelphia Sunday, Jan. 18, 2004. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
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Carolina Panthers’ Kris Magnum, left, congratulates Muhsin Muhammad (87) after he scored a second quarter touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles during the NFC championship game Sunday, Jan. 18, 2004, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Miles Kennedy)
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Carolina Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme celebrates after defeating the Philadelphia Eagles 14-3 in the NFC Championship game in Philadelphia Sunday, Jan. 18, 2004. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)
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The Carolina Panthers play against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday Oct. 21, 2018 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA.
Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez/Carolina Panthers
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The Carolina Panthers play against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday Oct. 21, 2018 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA.
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The Carolina Panthers play against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday Oct. 21, 2018 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA.
Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez/Carolina Panthers
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The Carolina Panthers play against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday Oct. 21, 2018 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA.
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The Carolina Panthers play against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday Oct. 21, 2018 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA.
Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez/Carolina Panthers
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The Carolina Panthers play against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday Oct. 21, 2018 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA.
Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez/Carolina Panthers
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The Carolina Panthers play against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday Oct. 21, 2018 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA.
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The Carolina Panthers against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday Oct. 21, 2018 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA.
Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez/Carolina Panthers
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The Carolina Panthers play against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday Oct. 21, 2018 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA.
Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez/Carolina Panthers
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