How the Patriots Can Even Their Record Against the Panthers in Week Four
This past Sunday, the New England Patriots looked to surprise the Pittsburgh Steelers at Gillette Stadium but fell flat, losing 21-14 within the final two minutes of the game from an Aaron Rodgers 17-yard touchdown to Calvin Austin III. New England, now 1-2, still stands second within the AFC East Division behind the Buffalo Bills. They’ll hope to even their record once again during their Week Four matchup on the road against the Carolina Panthers. While the Patriots suffered a discouraging loss in Week Three, the Panthers surely had themselves a confidence-boosting week, as they defeated the Atlanta Falcons 30-0. Although the Panthers’ offensive line must protect quarterback Bryce Young going forward if this team wants to improve from the past few seasons, shutting out a Falcons team that had a lot of buzz about them heading into this season should give Carolina a huge boost of momentum heading into this Week Four matchup.
Patriots Defense Must Step Up, Regardless of the Gonzalez Situation
Several reports have indicated that the Patriots are mounting frustration as their star cornerback, Christian Gonzalez, doesn’t seem ready to suit up again, and even with no setbacks to his hamstring injury, it seems like this may be an issue regarding his contract. Now, a fourth of the way into the season, New England must adjust without him once again. Patriots’ linebacker Robert Spillane recorded 10 solo tackles, five assisted tackles, and an interception. New England did not chalk up a sack during their Week Three loss; however, with Carolina’s offensive line still dealing with issues protecting their quarterback, the Patriots' defense should aim to rack up several sacks in this matchup. The Patriots also need to make sure this game doesn’t become a shootout. With the Panthers scoring 30 points last week, they’ll look to do the same this week and try to silence their critics.
New England’s Entire Offense Needs to Be Involved
Patriots quarterback Drake Maye must get the entire offense involved in this Week Four matchup in order for New England to pull out their second win of the season. To the running backs of Antonio Gibson, TreVeyon Henderson, and Rhamondre Stevenson, to the receivers and tight ends of Hunter Henry, Austin Hooper, Kayshon Boutte, Stefon Diggs, Mack Hollins, and others, all of these guys need to be involved, make plays, and tire out the Panthers’ defense for this Patriots team to have a successful chance at evening their record again. Maye needs to continue throwing the ball well, as well as gaining some yardage on the ground. A win will all depend on how much chemistry has grown within this offensive unit; if they can all click together on the field, they surely have a great possibility of obtaining their second win of the 2025 NFL season.
