It’s a little bit early to be speaking about must-win video games for the Patriots, but when they lose Sunday to the Panthers, they’ll be placing themselves into an early gap.
A win would put the Patriots at 2-2 heading right into a troublesome Sunday evening matchup with the Payments, the beginning of a three-game street journey. A loss would seemingly result in a 1-4 begin to the season, because the Payments will likely be heavy favorites in Week 5.
Right here’s all the things we’ll be waiting for Sunday in opposition to the Panthers.
- Restrict turnovers. The Patriots gave the ball away 5 occasions of their Week 3 loss to the Steelers. Even one much less turnover seemingly would have led to a win and a 2-1 begin to the season. It begins with Drake Maye, who’s turned the ball over 3 times already this season (two interceptions and one misplaced fumble). In his profession, Maye is averaging 1.19 turnovers per sport, and he wants that to lower. For that to occur, he must go a number of video games with none giveaways.
- It is going to be fascinating to see how the Patriots in the end deal with their snaps at working again. Rhamondre Stevenson fumbled twice in Sunday’s loss to the Steelers however won’t be punished, based on head coach Mike Vrabel. Vrabel wouldn’t decide to beginning Stevenson. Rookie TreVeyon Henderson and veteran Antonio Gibson are additionally obtainable for carries and catches out of the backfield.
- Vrabel has an analogous choice to make at huge receiver. Slot receiver DeMario Douglas didn’t run his path to the right depth on fourth-and-1, caught the ball wanting the primary down after which ran backwards, shedding yards in his try to run round defenders to select up the primary down. Douglas solely has 13 receiving yards by way of three video games, and he’s had bother getting on the identical web page as Maye. That might result in extra alternatives for Stefon Diggs or rookies Kyle Williams and Efton Chism. The Patriots additionally may proceed to present Douglas his share of snaps and targets since he’s been one of many workforce’s greatest pass-catchers since he was a rookie in 2023. The Patriots want extra manufacturing out of their huge receiver corps, nonetheless, and Douglas has fewer yards than Diggs, Williams, Kayshon Boutte and Mack Hollins.
- Diggs has seen his manufacturing dip each week thus far. It’s honest to say he’s not residing as much as the $18.3 million in money he’s incomes on the season. Maye does goal him in gotta-have-it conditions, however they’re principally short-yardage. We’d wish to see Maye goal Diggs extra downfield.
- It’s additionally time for Boutte to see extra targets. He had a large 100-yard efficiency in Week 1, caught an unimaginable landing move in Week 2 and picked up a key first down, drew a move interference penalty and was open on Maye’s interception in Week 3. Boutte is taking part in just like the Patriots’ greatest huge receiver. It’s time to begin concentrating on him that approach.
- The offensive line took a step again in Week 3 whereas going through T.J. Watt, Cameron Heyward and the Steelers’ protection. This week’s matchup in opposition to the Panthers seems so much simpler on paper, so it could possibly be a bounce-back week for rookie left deal with Will Campbell and the remainder of the road.
- It seems Ben Brown will likely be making his first begin of the season at left guard with Jared Wilson (ankle/knee accidents) out. Wilson has far more potential as a professional, however the dropoff may not be vital to Brown this week. Brown is a greater move protector than a run blocker. He’s principally performed middle in a Patriots uniform, however he appeared snug at guard this summer time.
- Is that this the week we see Christian Gonzalez make his season debut? It seems that approach. Gonzalez started working towards final week after injuring his hamstring July 28. It’s now been two months, and the Patriots have elevated his participation in follow main as much as this week’s sport in opposition to the Panthers. It will be good to have him cowl Panthers rookie wideout Tetairoa McMillan. Marcus Jones is an effective matchup for slot receiver Hunter Renfrow. That leaves Carlton Davis III with a matchup in opposition to Xavier Legette or Brycen Tremaine.
- The Patriots’ move rush additionally took a step again in Week 3, although Harold Landry III had a constructive efficiency. The inside of the Panthers’ offensive line is banged up, which may imply Miton Williams and Christian Barmore may have a giant day.
- Rookie kicker Andy Borregales wasn’t examined on any discipline targets in Week 3, although he did hit each of his further factors. His effectivity will bear watching all season, particularly because the Patriots are taking part in their opponents shut.
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