Eight seconds were left when the Eagles took a one-point lead in Jacksonville last week. Then a long kickoff return and a last-second field goal turned Philadelphia’s celebration into a 19-17 loss. Now the Eagles come home to Lincoln Financial Field with a 2-3 record, searching for the kind of complete finish that can change a season.

The Panthers arrive with a 2-2 record and an offense that has been hard to slow down. Carolina has scored more than 30 points per game, while Philadelphia has scored only 18.4. That gap gives this Week 6 game a clear shape: Can the Eagles slow down Carolina’s speedy attack, then find enough points of their own?

Bryce Young is driving the Panthers forward. He has thrown for 1,268 yards and nine touchdowns in four games, showing that Carolina can move quickly through the air. His favorite big-play target is Tetairoa McMillan, the tall receiver with 26 catches and 385 yards already. McMillan can make tough catches and stretch the field, meaning Eagles defenders must stay close to him from snap to whistle.

Carolina also has Chuba Hubbard, a tough runner who keeps defenses from focusing only on Young and McMillan. Hubbard has rushed for 306 yards and scored five total touchdowns as a runner and receiver. If he finds room early, play-action passes—throws that look like runs at first—could give Young more open targets.

Philadelphia’s defense has allowed too many yards this season, but it still has game changers. Jalen Carter showed that against Jacksonville with two sacks, which happen when a defender tackles the quarterback behind the line of scrimmage. Cornerback Quinyon Mitchell also made an interception in that game. For the Eagles, pressure from Carter and tight coverage from the secondary could make Young hurry his throws.

On offense, Jalen Hurts must lead a group still adjusting after A.J. Brown’s trade. Hurts has eight touchdown passes, and his ability to throw or run makes him dangerous near the goal line. The Eagles will lean on DeVonta Smith’s quick routes and Dallas Goedert’s reliable hands over the middle if they are able to play. Smith missed Wednesday’s practice with hamstring and toe injuries, so his status matters greatly.

Saquon Barkley’s hamstring is another big question after he did not practice Wednesday. When healthy, Barkley gives Philadelphia its powerful, patient ground attack. If he cannot go, the Eagles may need Hurts to create more with his arm and legs. Carolina’s defense has allowed plenty of yards too, but cornerback Jaycee Horn is on injured reserve, leaving the Panthers without one of their top cover players.

This matchup is a race between Carolina’s fast-starting offense and Philadelphia’s need for a steady answer. The Eagles have the home crowd, championship experience and a defense capable of making key stops. But the Panthers have been the more productive team through the first month. Prediction: Carolina Panthers win, using Young, McMillan and Hubbard to make one more big play in a close game.

Eagles Seek a Turnaround Against Bryce Young’s Fast Panthers