CHARLOTTE, N.C. — It took Julius Peppers less time to go around Halapoulivaati Vaitai than it would have taken the Carolina Panthers’ 37-year-old defensive end to pronounce the name of the Eagles’ backup right tackle.
The visiting Eagles had picked up a couple of first downs on their opening drive and were working out of first and 10 at Carolina’s 35 when Peppers, a nine-time Pro Bowl pass rusher, eluded Vaitai and slammed into Carson Wentz just as the Eagles’ quarterback drew back the ball to pass. Wentz never saw Peppers, who stripped the ball. Carolina defensive tackle Kawann Short recovered.