Panthers vs. Patriots: Instant analysis

The Carolina Panthers offense gets on track in New England, leads to a 33-30 victory…

Throughout the game Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton connected on down the field targets left open in a confused Patriots secondary. The last ranked defense failed to control their coverage often leaving open one or two Panthers receivers, leading to an improved performance from Newton and the Panthers offense.

Newton also took advantage of a few designed quarterback runs in order to secure impactful yardage in the game. The Panthers built a sizeable 30-16 lead but Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and his offense battled back late in the game.

After a missed Panthers Graham Gano extra point, Carolina led by only seven with little time remaining in the third quarter. The Panthers defense would answer, forcing a punt after an initial conversion on a Brandin Cooks 16-yard completion.

The Patriots battled back, thanks in part to the soft coverage defense employed by Panthers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, but after an early injury forced safety Kurt Coleman from the game, depth was an issue.

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Carolina allowed Brady and the Patriots to come back but gave Newton and the Panthers offense enough time to secure another point producing drive for the win. With just over three-minutes remaining in the game, Caroline took a 10-play, 46-yard drive to the New England 30-yard line before a 48-yard field goal from Gano earned the victory.

Despite numerous injuries entering the game and throughout the afternoon, Carolina continually found ways to be successful. Their resilience against the defending Super Bowl champions on the road should spark a renewed sense of optimism for this team.

After suffering a dismal home loss to divisional rival New Orleans last week, a win on the road will boost the confidence of both players and the fan base. Now sitting at 3-1 the Panthers are tied with Atlanta for the lead after the Falcons lost to Buffalo, 23-17 at home.

Next: CAR at NE - Five Questions for Sunday

Carolina needs to keep their momentum entering another difficult road test at Detroit next week.