3 Biggest X-Factors For Panthers to Take Down Eagles in Week 6

The Carolina Panthers should be well-rested when they take the field this weekend against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Carolina is coming off a bye week, entering this game with a record of 2-2 on the season. The Panthers will be looking to take advantage of an undermanned Eagles team that will be without multiple key players, including quarterback Jalen Hurts and running back Saquon Barkley.

But the Panthers can't take the Eagles for granted, even with the injuries to their star players. Carolina has plans of getting back to the playoffs this year, and games like this can help them in that goal.

Here are three of the bigger X-Factors for the Panthers to avoid the letdown against the Eagles this week:

1. Make Tanner McKee Uncomfortable

With the Eagles starting backup Tanner McKee over Hurts, it gives the Panthers a slight advantage entering the game. But the Panthers can't overlook McKee, and he can tear up this defense if they aren't careful.

The Panthers have to make life tough for McKee from the opening kickoff, avoiding him from getting into a rhythm in the pocket during the game. McKee doesn't have that much experience as a starting quarterback in the NFL, and the Panthers can exploit this on Sunday.

2. Keep the Passing Game Going Strong

Coming into this game, the Panthers' passing attack ranks as the second-best unit in the entire NFL, giving this team an identity. Against the Eagles, Carolina will try to keep this going, but Philadelphia does have a feisty defensive unit.

Quarterback Bryce Young is going to have to play well in this game against the Eagles' defense, pushing the ball down the line. And if he can do this, it could push the matchup out of reach for the Philadelphia offense without Hurts.

3. Get the Ground Game Going

In their last game against the Lions, the Panthers rushed for 127 yards, opening up a well-rounded approach to offense. In this game against the Eagles, Carolina needs to make sure to include the running game again, and this should help open passing lanes for Young during the game.

Chuba Hubbard has rushed for 306 yards and three touchdowns this season, but there is more for him to work with. Having a multi-dimensional approach to offense can help exploit this Eagles defense, giving the Panthers a better chance to win the game.