FOXBORO — The Patriots needed this one.
Head coach Mike Vrabel improved his report to 2-2 with a dominant 42-13 victory over the Panthers in Week 4.
One of many largest variations in Sunday’s win was the quantity of explosive performs generated by the Patriots, who struggled to supply huge positive factors over the primary three weeks of the season.
The Patriots obtained huge performs from operating backs Antonio Gibson and Rhamondre Stevenson, huge receiver Stefon Diggs and tight ends Austin Hooper and Hunter Henry, however none had been greater than two punt returns, together with an 87-yard landing, from Marcus Jones.
Issues began ominously for the Patriots, nevertheless.
The Panthers’ offense moved down the sector with ease on their opening drive, touring 76 yards on simply seven performs with a 4-yard penalty. The opening collection ended with a 7-yard landing go from Panthers QB Bryce Younger to tight finish Tommy Tremble over rookie security Craig Woodson. Kicker Ryan Fitzgerald missed his additional level try to make the rating 6-0. Cornerback Christian Gonzalez, making his season debut, allowed a 16-yard first-down catch to Tetairoa McMillan.
The Patriots’ protection wouldn’t permit one other rating till enjoying backups within the fourth quarter.
The Patriots responded with a three-and-out and punt. Operating again Rhamondre Stevenson began after final week’s two-fumble efficiency. He was booed when he took a handoff on first down.
The protection awoke and compelled a punt. Punt returner Marcus Jones had Gillette Stadium shaking on an 87-yard punt return landing to present the Patriots a 7-6 lead. Jones shook off three would-be tacklers earlier than taking it to the home.
The Patriots compelled one other fast punt on protection earlier than giving solution to Drake Maye and the offense. The offense ripped off three explosive performs and completed the drive with a 5-yard landing run from Maye. Maye accomplished a display that went for twenty-four yards to tight finish Austin Hooper. Antonio Gibson and Rhamondre Stevenson then had consecutive 20-plus yard carries.
Fitzgerald missed a 55-yard discipline objective try, giving the Patriots the ball on their very own 45-yard line. One other explosive play, this one a 33-yard completion from Maye to Stefon Diggs, helped transfer down the sector. Rookie operating again TreVeyon Henderson scored his first profession dashing down on a 5-yard carry within the crimson zone to up the Patriots up 21-6.
The Patriots’ protection compelled their first three-and-out of the sport earlier than Jones put the offense in nice place after a 61-yard return. Operating again Antonio Gibson plowed ahead for a 1-yard landing run after a four-play, 14-yard drive, giving the Patriots a 28-6 lead into the half.
They didn’t let off the fuel within the second half. Tight finish Hunter Henry went untouched on a 31-yard landing reception on an 8-play, 78-yard drive that additionally noticed the Patriots lose 10 yards on a holding penalty.
They elevated their result in 42-6 on a 4-yard landing go from Maye to Mack Hollins. Joshua Dobbs and Andy Dalton took over at quarterback for the Patriots and Panthers, respectively.
Dalton led the Panthers on a late scoring drive, connecting with tight finish Mitchell Evans for a landing.
BEST
PR Marcus Jones: Jones flipped the sport early with an 87-yard punt return for a landing. He didn’t get a lot assist from his blocker on the return and averted three Panthers for the rating. He later returned one other punt for 61 yards, serving to to arrange one other Patriots landing. General, he returned three punts for 167 yards.
QB Drake Maye: Environment friendly and sound displaying for Maye, who was 14-of-17 for 203 yards with two landing passes, no turnovers, three dashing makes an attempt, 11 dashing yards and one dashing landing. He was changed by backup Joshua Dobbs within the fourth quarter with an enormous lead.
WR Stefon Diggs: The Professional Bowl receiver stated this week that he’s keen to eat what the Patriots placed on his plate and never ask for extra. Properly, offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels gave him an enormous serving to on Sunday. Diggs completed with a season-high 101 yards on six catches.
Operating backs: Stevenson, Henderson and Gibson all averaged over 4 yards per carry and didn’t flip over the ball. In all, the Patriots totaled 106 yards on 26 carries.
WORST
S Craig Woodson: The rookie security was beat by Tremble for a landing within the first half and Evans late within the fourth quarter.
CB Carlton Davis III: Davis was flagged twice for grabbing onto McMillan’s jersey. The primary was a defensive go interference. The second was a holding name. He settled and didn’t permit a catch, per PFF’s preliminary charting.
WHAT WE LEARNED
- If Diggs retains enjoying this effectively, then be careful. The Payments will likely be powerful subsequent week on Sunday evening soccer, however then the Patriots go on a four-game run with a fairly simple schedule towards the Saints, Titans, Browns and Falcons. Issues might get attention-grabbing.
- Linebacker Christian Elliss began Sunday’s recreation after being benched within the second quarter of the Patriots’ Week 2 loss. After some suspect play within the first two drives, nevertheless, he was changed by Jack Gibbens. Gibbens nearly instantly made an affect with a deal with for loss, although Elliss did return to the sport. The Patriots even have linebacker Jahlani Tavai eligible to return this week. He could possibly be thrust right into a beginning position straight away.
- There was no self-discipline in any way for Stevenson, who led operating backs in offensive snaps.
- The Patriots primarily caught with Diggs, Hollins and Kayshon Boutte at huge receiver, lowering slot receiver DeMario Douglas’ snaps.
- Security Jaylinn Hawkins left the sport with a hamstring damage. He didn’t return however stayed on the sideline.
- Take into account it a robust recreation for the Patriots’ offensive line, which protected Maye admirably. Full disclosure: The Panthers entered the sport with only one sack and down each of their beginning edge rushers. Nevertheless it was nonetheless a win for a gaggle that was with out rookie beginning left guard Jared Wilson.
- The Patriots’ run protection allowed over 100 yards for the primary time this season. They’ll take it if it means extra blowout wins.
- Gonzalez allowed simply two catches on three targets for 31 yards in his return to the sector, per PFF. A great begin.
