3 Biggest X-Factors For Eagles to Upset Panthers This Week

The Philadelphia Eagles will be entering their game against the Carolina Panthers this week without multiple star players.

Star quarterback Jalen Hurts will miss the game due to a scary blood clot issue, while star running back Saquon Barkley will again miss the game due to an ongoing hamstring injury. This leaves the Eagles in a tough spot, especially with Hurts going out for the game.

Coming into the game, Philadelphia has lost three straight contest, holding a record of 2-3 on the year. As for the Panthers, they are coming off a bye week, sitting with a record of 2-2 on the season.

Here are three of the biggest X-Factors for the Eagles to take down the Panthers this week:

1. Feed DeVonta Smith

With Hurts and Barkley missing this game due to injury, the Eagles will be heavily relying on star wideout DeVonta Smith to get the offense going this week. Smith will be making his return after missing the last few weeks due to his hamstring injury, and this could give the offense a big boost against the Panthers.

For the season, Smith has caught 19 passes for 235 yards and one touchdown, giving this team a legitimate No. 1 option at the wide receiver position. Smith has game-changing ability, and his being on the field could help the Eagles get the win.

2. Tanner McKee Doesn't Try to Do Too Much

With Hurts missing the game, backup Tanner McKee will be starting for the Eagles, which isn't ideal for the team. But McKee does have some experience, having started a game last season for Philadelphia, throwing for 274 yards with one touchdown and one interception.

In this game against the Panthers, McKee can't try to do too much against the Panthers defense; instead, he needs to take what the unit gives him. If McKee can play clean football, he could give the Eagles a chance to earn a surprising win at home.

3. Pressure Bryce Young

This season, Bryce Young of the Panthers has started to look the part of being the former No. 1 overall draft pick. But the Eagles have a good defense that can rattle Young, and this is going to be a key int his game.

If Philadelphia can pressure Young from the opening kickoff of the game, it could force the quarterback to not settle into a rththm, forcing him to make bad mistakes. With the offense likely to be lackluster again this week, the Eagles defense may need to win the game for Philadelphia.