Panthers at Patriots: Preview, predictions and how to watch
The Carolina Panthers face the defending Super Bowl champions on the road this week…
The Carolina Panthers are 2-1, but judging by fan reactions from their performance last week, Sunday is a must win. While each and every game holds equal importance, Carolina needs to bounce back from a dismal home loss a week ago. Especially with four of the next five scheduled to be played on the road.
Veteran captain and center Ryan Kalil missed his second straight game last week and appears unlikely to play in New England. In addition, during the Panthers first game without fellow captain tight end Greg Olsen, Carolina recorded just one touchdown.
Coach Bill Belichick complimented the Panthers offense this week, but the unit has struggled to find a rhythm or consistently move the football to this point. Quarterback Cam Newton remains limited in practice but will need to put points on the scoreboard in order to contend with Tom Brady and the Patriots offense.
2017 SEASON: CAROLINA PANTHERS (2-1) at NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (2-1)
KICKOFF: 1:00 PM ET
TV: FOX Broadcast Coverage Map
ONLINE: FuboTV 67+ live sports and entertainment channels with 7-day FREE trial!
ODDS: New England (-9), Over/Under (49) at Sports Book Review
LOCATION: Gillette Stadium (Foxborough, MA)
WEATHER: 69 degrees, 53% humidity, 5mph NW wind, 10% precipitation
LAST MEETING: 19-17, PATRIOTS – August 26, 2016 (Preseason Game 3)
KEY MATCH-UP: CAR Secondary vs. NE Tom Brady
More from Cat Crave
- Could Duce Staley help Carolina Panthers land Jamaal Williams in 2023?
- How much could the Carolina Panthers afford to offer Lamar Jackson?
- 4 Panthers rumors to emerge from 2023 NFL Scouting Combine
- 7 free-agent wide receivers the Carolina Panthers could sign in 2023
- 3 Panthers who must be re-signed urgently before 2023 free agency
For a second straight week the Carolina secondary will be tested. After inheriting unfavorable field position due to Newton interceptions against New Orleans, the Panthers surrendered three touchdown passes to the Saints.
Nickel corner Captain Munnerly, who returned to Carolina this offseason was not pleased with the limited amount of snaps he played on defense. It will be interesting to see if his playing time increases against Brady and the Patriots.
Last week, Brady threw five touchdown passes completing one in the final seconds for a win. Against a young but improving secondary, expect Brady and the Patriots to continually test the Panthers downfield as the game progresses.
Next: CAR at NE - Offensive Players to Watch
Carolina could benefit from generating pressure, something they were unable to accomplish versus Brees last week. The Panthers top defense reached the Saints quarterback just once, but Brady has been dropped a career high 10 times during his first three games. Unfortunately, it won’t be enough for Carolina as the Patriots win in convincing fashion.
PREDICTION: CAROLINA PANTHERS- 20, NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS- 31