PHILADELPHIA -- The Eagles' second-ranked run defense will be in for quite the challenge in Week 7. The Carolina Panthers' fourth-ranked rushing attack will come to town and use its unconventional trickier to keep Philadelphia's defense on its toes.
The Panthers are averaging 139.4 rushing yards per game. That total is greatly assisted by Carolina's quarterback, Cam Newton, who is just as much of a threat running the ball as he is as a passer in the pocket.
In fact, Newton leads the Panthers with three rushing touchdowns. He ranks second on the team with 208 rushing yards.
Newton's ability to create big plays with his legs keeps opposing defenses off-balanced. Offensive coordinator Norv Turner uses Newton's mobility to his advantage with designed runs and run-pass options (RPO).
"They test you ... they have so much stuff you can look at that can throw you off," defensive end Brandon Graham said Wednesday. "All they're looking for is a little hitch. Like say I have Cam on the run, and he's just waiting for me to turn my shoulder, and he's gone. It's just one of those [challenges] where you have to be patient and make sure you do what you're supposed to do."
The Eagles' defense allows just 79.8 rushing yards per game. This week, the group has put a heavy emphasis on studying the Panthers' creative play-calling. The coaches want their players to trust their preparation and their eyes because the Panthers' scheme involves a lot of pre-snap movement.
"We've just got to play with a lot of eye discipline," cornerback Ronald Darby said Monday. "They do a lot of motion and move people around. Reverses, screens, RPOs and stuff like that."
The Panthers are dynamic on offense because of their entire skill group, not just Newton.
Running back Christian McCaffrey is among the best dual-threat players in the league. Last year's eighth overall pick has produced 34 catches for 238 yards and a touchdown. His impressive catch total leads the entire Panthers offense and ranks fourth in the league amongst running backs. He also leads the team with 349 rushing yards on just 71 carries (4.9 yards per carry).
At wide receiver, the Panthers have a dynamic weapon in Philadelphia native DJ Moore. The Panthers use Moore in the running game at times, as he has collected 46 rushing yards on four carries. Along with Moore, Newton relies on veteran wide receivers Devin Funchess, Jarius Wright and Torrey Smith to make big plays.
Carolina's playmakers can create problems for opposing defenses because of their respective skill sets. The group also allows Turner to be creative with his play-calling.
"They do a lot of smoke and mirrors stuff," linebacker Kamu Grugier-Hill said Thursday. "Sending one guy one way, pull a lineman [the other] way. It's a lot going on, so as a linebacker, you really just have to hone into your keys and be sound in the run game."
The Panthers lost starting left tackle Matt Kahlil and starting right tackle Daryl Williams to knee injuries early on in the season. While the Panthers are relying on backup bookends at tackle, Chris Clark and Taylor Moton have held up well against opposing pass rushers.
"I just see that they work well together, they look good," Graham said of the Panthers' fill-in offensive tackles. "Cam makes them right. On top of that, they run the ball a lot too. That plays right into the strengths [of the tackles] because they're big."
The Eagles have overcome the challenges of Newton and the Panthers' dynamic offense in the past. Last season, Philadelphia defeated Carolina, 28-23, at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. The Eagles accomplished that feat by scoring consistently and playing team defense.
Philadelphia will look to use that same strategy this time around. Like last year, the defense will need to handle its end of the bargain to deliver a third home win on the season for the Eagles.
"This week, you've got to do your job," Graham said. "That's it. Focus on nothing else but your job. That's every week but really [focus] this week because it's all about making sure your eyes are right and you're looking at the right stuff on what you need to do."
Mike Kaye may be reached at mkaye@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @Mike_E_Kaye. Find NJ.com on Facebook.