Eagles’ Fletcher scores in blowout victory over Panthers

Associated Press

PHILADELPHIA

Darren Sproles scored two touchdowns, Mark Sanchez threw for two scores and the defense sacked Cam Newton nine times to help the Philadelphia Eagles beat the Carolina Panthers 45-21 Monday night.

Filling in for an injured Nick Foles, Sanchez had 332 yards passing in his first start since Dec. 30, 2012.

Sproles returned a punt 65 yards for a score and had an 8-yard TD run.

Bradley Fletcher (Liberty) returned an interception 34 yards for a TD and Jordan Matthews had 138 yards receiving and two TDs.

The Eagles (7-2) stayed on top in the NFC East. They’re trying to repeat as division champions without Foles, who broke his collarbone in a win at Houston last week.

The Panthers (3-6-1) hardly look like the team that won the NFC South last year. Newton threw the first off three interceptions and DeAngelo Williams lost a fumble on Carolina’s first three plays from scrimmage.

The Panthers have lost four in a row and already have allowed more points in 10 games than they did in 2013.

Making things worse, Panthers defensive tackle Star Lotulelei was carted off the field late in the third quarter.

The Eagles built a 10-0 lead off the Carolina’s early turnovers.

Casey Matthews, starting for injured linebacker DeMeco Ryans, forced Williams’ fumble and Cedric Thornton recovered at the Panthers 22. Cody Parkey hit a 39-yarder to make it 3-0.

Cary Williams then intercepted Newton on Carolina’s next offensive play. It was the first pick by an Eagles cornerback this season.

Sanchez completed passes of 15 yards to Jeremy Maclin and 21 yards to Brent Celek to set up Sproles’ score. Sproles took a handoff and ran off the left side untouched.

The Panthers answered on their ensuing possession. Newton connected with Greg Olsen on a 38-yard pass and converted a pair of third-down passes to keep the drive going.

Jonathan Stewart jumped over the top from the 1 to cut it to 10-7.