The Sports Xchange

PHILADELPHIA — While the numbers might not indicate it, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Sam Bradford had one of his better games in Sunday night’s 27-16 loss to Carolina.

He was 26-for-46 for 205 yards, no touchdowns and one interception. But his receivers dropped eight passes, including one in the end zone by Josh Huff that should have been a touchdown. The one interception Bradford threw came on a ball that wide receiver Jordan Matthews failed to catch and allowed to carom into the hands of a Carolina defender.

“We’ve got to do a better job catching the ball for Sam,” tight end Zach Ertz said. Bradford did complete a season-high six third-down passes for first downs. He had just 13 in the first six games.

Matthews, who has a team-high six drops, including two Sunday against Carolina, injured a ligament in his right hand three weeks ago. But according to a team source, the injury supposedly has healed.

Only three of Bradford’s 46 attempts traveled more than 20 yards. That was his fewest since Week 3 when he had just two 20-plus yard attempts against the New York Jets. Kelly said that had to do with the way the defensive coverage expressed itself.

“They were playing a lot of top-down coverage,” he said. “The safeties were high over the top, weren’t giving us anything there. So really, just how people are playing us. Depends week-to-week, who is playing and what they are doing to you.”

Notes: Among those who sat out Sunday night’s game were linebacker DeMeco Ryans (hamstring), who the Eagles will return after the bye and play against Dallas, and inside linebacker Kiko Alonso (knee) … Running back Ryan Mathews aggravated a pre-existing groin injury Sunday. He played just 16 snaps against Carolina, but had a 63-yard touchdown run and an earlier 22-yard run. Mathews is averaging 6.1 yards per carry. … Left tackle Jason Peters left the game in the first half after suffering severe back spasms. A team source said he was already feeling much better by the time the Eagles returned to Philadelphia and that he is expected to play in two weeks against Dallas when the Eagles return from the bye.