THE NFL 1996 : Detmer Remains Cool, Eagles Chill Panthers

Ty Detmer and Irving Fryar picked up where they left off last week.

In his third NFL start, Detmer led Philadelphia to two first-half touchdowns, and the Eagle defense kept Carolina out of the end zone in a 20-9 victory over the Panthers on Sunday.

Detmer followed a four-touchdown performance last week against Miami by completing 23 of 38 passes for a career-high 342 yards.

With Carolina holding Ricky Watters to 33 yards and a touchdown in 21 carries, Detmer responded against the numerous blitzes by the Panthers.

“They’re going to throw everything at you to see if you can handle it,” said Detmer, whose one touchdown pass was to rookie tight end Jason Dunn. “It was a big step for me personally handling the blitz.”

As was the case last week, Detmer’s favorite target was Fryar, who caught seven passes for 143 yards. But Detmer also threw to seven other receivers, including all three tight ends.

“I think it’s important for people to realize we’re not just a one-dimensional team,” Philadelphia Coach Ray Rhodes said. “Ty did a pretty good job spreading the ball around to a lot of receivers.”

The Panthers (5-3) were limited to John Kasay’s three field goals. Gary Anderson kicked two field goals for Philadelphia.

Carolina took the opening kickoff and, with the help of a 29-yard reception by Mark Carrier, got to the Philadelphia 13. But on both third and fourth down, with the Panthers needing a yard, the Eagles stuffed them.

“Any time we have a third or fourth down and inches to go, to be a good football team, we have to make them,” Carolina Coach Dom Capers said. “Week in and week out, that’s the case in this league. You’re going to have opportunity and the teams that win take advantage of them and make plays.”

Trailing by 11 halfway through the final quarter, Kerry Collins led the Panthers to the Eagle four-yard line before he fumbled trying to scramble into the end zone. Brian Dawkins recovered for the Eagles, ending Carolina’s chances.

“I was trying to make a play, trying to get it in the end zone,’ said Collins, who completed 16 of 34 passes for 248 yards. “I just wish the ball had bounced out of bounds.”