Spry Sproles. Yes, that was 36-year old running back/receiver/returner Darren Sproles leading Philadelphia last week with 47 rushing yards. He totaled 16 touches — nine carries, three catches (for 16 yards) and four punt returns (11.5-yard average) in the Eagles’ win over Washington. “We’re always going to monitor that each week,” coach Doug Pederson told reporters of Sproles’ usage.
Kubiak Effect. Minnesota looked like a Gary Kubiak offense last week against Atlanta. Kubiak doesn’t call the Vikings’ plays but his influence has been well-documented. In a 28-12 win over the Falcons, quarterback Kirk Cousins passed only 10 times. It marked only the ninth time in 20 years a team won while passing 10 or fewer times. The Vikings rushed 38 times for 172 yards. “itap going to be important that becomes an identity we can sustain week in and week out,” Cousins said.
Panthers in trouble. Carolina dropped to 0-2 with Thursday nightap loss to Tampa Bay and the Panthers are now playing uphill. Both losses were at home. Cam Newton is no longer a running threat (two carries for no yards vs. the Buccaneers) and they have only one home game between now and Nov. 3. The Panthers’ next five games: at Arizona, at Houston, vs. Jacksonville, vs. Tampa Bay in London and at San Francisco.
