The Eagles finally found an offensive rhythm late in the first half, cutting Carolina’s lead to 10-7 on a 2-yard touchdown run by Dameon Pierce.

A 10-play, 78-yard drive gave Philadelphia a needed response after five consecutive punts. Tanner McKee completed 5 of 6 passes for 48 yards, but another round of injuries complicated the Eagles’ afternoon. Nolan Smith was ruled out with a concussion, and Carson Steele left with an arm injury before returning and departing again.

Here are six takeaways from the first half at Lincoln Financial Field.

McKee’s first scoring drive offered something to build on

Philadelphia opened with consecutive three-and-outs and lost 3 yards on the first drive. Bobby Okereke came free to sack McKee on the opening play, immediately putting the offense behind schedule.

McKee eventually settled in on the touchdown drive, connecting with DeVonta Smith for 16 yards on third-and-7. Pierce added a 6-yard run on third-and-1 before finishing the possession with his first Eagles touchdown.

McKee finished the half 13 of 23 for 94 yards, with no touchdowns or interceptions. The late drive showed progress, but Philadelphia finished with just 110 net yards.

DeVonta Smith’s involvement needs to grow within his workload

Smith was used selectively in his return from a hamstring injury, finishing the half with two catches for 22 yards on four targets. His third-down conversion on the scoring drive showed how valuable he can be to McKee.

Dallas Goedert led Philadelphia with four catches for 38 yards. The Eagles need those two involved as McKee works through his first start of the season, particularly with limited production elsewhere in the passing game.

The injuries keep taking away. options

Nolan Smith recorded three tackles and a sack before leaving with a concussion after contact with Chuba Hubbard during a pass rush. His exit left Jonathan Greenard, Arnold Ebiketie and Keyshawn James-Newby on the edge with Jalyx Hunt and A.J. Epenesa already inactive.

Steele caught one pass for 4 yards before leaving with an arm injury and heading indoors. Philadelphia was already without Saquon Barkley, Will Shipley and Tank Bigsby, leaving Pierce and Jaydon Blue as its available running backs following Steele’s exit.

Pierce provided a touchdown, but the ground game remained limited

Pierce finished the half with nine carries for 27 yards and a touchdown. His third-down conversion and scoring run were important, but the Eagles averaged just 3 yards per carry.

Carolina entered the game allowing 156.5 rushing yards per game. Philadelphia needs more consistent gains to take pressure off McKee, especially after losing another backfield option in the first half.

Penalties helped Carolina turn a stop opportunity into points

The Eagles gave the Panthers second-and-20 after Jordan Davis’ roughing-the-passer penalty gave Carolina a fresh set of downs. The Panthers finished the possession with a touchdown, taking a 10-0 lead.

Philadelphia committed six penalties for 42 yards. Carolina was even worse, drawing eight flags for 105 yards, yet still led at halftime. The Eagles had chances to capitalize on those mistakes and needed to take more.

The lineup changes were noticeable, but coverage still needs work

Jake Majors started at center despite Drew Kendall being active. Kenny Moore II played safety alongside Drew Mukuba ahead of Marcus Epps in the base and nickel packages. Jihaad Campbell started at linebacker, with Jeremiah Trotter Jr. rotating in during the half.

Bryce Young completed 12 of 21 passes for 162 yards and a touchdown. Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker combined for 10 catches and 144 yards. Philadelphia held Chuba Hubbard to 24 rushing yards, but Carolina’s receivers continued finding room.