LOS ANGELES: The Philadelphia Eagles jumped all over a clumsy Carolina Panthers early to provide the platform for a dominant 45-21 triumph on Monday, giving quarterback Mark Sanchez a win in his first Eagles start.

The Panthers committed two turnovers on their first three plays from scrimmage via a fumble and interception to set the tone for an inept road display.

The defense and special teams units joined the offense in scoring points for the Eagles, who were as good as Carolina was bad, with the final scoreline flattering the Panthers thanks to some late touchdowns.

The win consolidated Philadelphia’s place at the top of the NFC East at 7-2, while the Panthers missed a chance to leapfrog New Orleans for the NFC South lead, losing their fourth straight game to drop to 3-6-1.

Sanchez, getting his first start for the injured Nick Foles after his move from the New York Jets in the off-season, threw for 332 yards and two touchdowns, while running back Darren Sproles and wide receiver Jordan Matthews both scored twice.

Carolina quarterback Cam Newton had a night to forget as he was battered by the Eagles, getting sacked nine times, five in the opening half, while throwing three interceptions and fumbling twice.

After a Cody Parker field goal and Sproles eight-yard rushing touchdown set the Eagles on course in the opening three-and-a-half minutes, the Panthers hit back with a Jonathan Stewart touchdown to close to 10-7.

The Eagles then took off.

Sproles split them open with a dynamic 65-yard punt return for a touchdown before Sanchez connected with Matthews for a 13-yard score and a 24-7 lead.

Cornerback Bradley Fletcher joined the party with a 34-yard interception return as the home side surged to a 31-7 halftime advantage.

LeSean McCoy went over untouched from a yard early in the second half and Matthews found his way in from 18 yards in the fourth quarter to stretch to 45-7 before a pair of late Kelvin Benjamin consolation touchdowns capped the scoring. (Writing by Ben Everill in Los Angeles; Editing by John O’Brien)

Union seeks to get Peterson reinstated

Meantime, the NFL Players Association has filed a grievance demanding that running back Adrian Peterson be reinstated based on a deal it says was made with commissioner Roger Goodell several weeks ago.

Peterson was placed on the league’s exempt list after being indicted on felony charges of reckless or negligent injury to a child. Goodell has said the 2012 league MVP can’t play until the NFL finishes conducting its investigation under its personal conduct policy.

But the players’ union said it filed an “expedited, non-injury” grievance to remove the Minnesota Vikings star from the exempt list “based on a signed agreement” from September 18.

“We asked the NFL to honor the terms of that agreement last week and as of now, they have failed to respond or comply,” a statement said.

“It is our obligation to protect all players’ rights, and we will pursue any and all breaches of any contract between a player and his team or the NFL.”

The Vikings issued a statement Monday saying they are willing to wait for the league’s investigation to conclude.

“We respect and understand the league’s process,” the statement said.

Peterson was accused of using a wooden tree branch to hit his four-year-old son as a disciplinary measure.

Peterson avoided jail time by reaching a plea agreement with prosecutors last week.

US media reported that Peterson pleaded no contest to a lesser charge of one count of misdemeanor reckless assault and will receive probation along with a $4,000 fine and an order to serve 80 hours of community service.

Following the plea deal, Peterson lobbied Goodell for immediate reinstatement but the request was denied.

The league said Peterson could face further discipline if he is found to have violated the NFL’s personal conduct policy.

Peterson has played just one game for the Vikings this season.

He was deactivated by the Vikings for their second game of the season then reinstated briefly before being deactivated again after a backlash from sponsors and fans.