The Philadelphia Eagles proved that they could do without QB Nick Foles Monday night, as they forced five turnovers, sacked Cam Newton nine times and scored a pair of early non-offensive touchdowns. The defensive dominance lead the Eagles to a 45-21 win over the Carolina Panthers at Lincoln Financial Field.

Mark Sanchez, in his first start in place of Foles, was extremely efficient. The veteran threw for 332 yards and two touchdowns. Rookie Jordan Matthews grabbed seven receptions for a career-high 138 yards and two TD’s.

In Sanchez’s Jets career, he never threw for over 300 yards without committing a turnover. He did it in his first Eagles start, which could be a testament to Chip Kelly’s offense. 

The Eagles gained a healthy 5.9 yards per play, but it wasn’t really necessary. Thanks to their annihilation of the Panthers in the defensive side of the ball, they only had two scoring drives that started on their own side of the field.

Fortunately for the Panthers, they play in the NFC South, which means you are never out of it.

They haven’t won a game since October 5 and yet are still just one game behind the New Orleans Saints in the loss column. Ridiculous.

A Week 11 matchup vs. the Atlanta Falcons will, amazingly, prove crucial at the top of the division standings.

For the first-place Eagles, a trip to Lambeau slowly approaches to see who is tops of the NFC.

That may be the toughest test of the season thus far, but with Kelly’s explosive offense and a playmaking defense, Philadelphia has proven it belongs in any discussion regarding the league’s best teams.