3 reasons the Carolina Panthers can beat the Patriots in Week 9
By Luke Tucker
Carolina Panthers have shut down rookie QBs in 2021
Through eight games in 2021, the Carolina Panthers have faced off against rookie starting quarterbacks twice already, and Sunday’s game will mark the third. Unfortunately for Mac Jones, the results haven’t been pretty for his fellow draftmates.
In Carolina’s Week 1 showdown with the New York Jets, Zach Wilson made his NFL debut against Shaq Thompson, Jeremy Chinn, and company. The No. 2 overall selection was picked off, barely completed 50 percent of his passes, and until the fourth quarter looked lost, confused, and quite honestly, scared.
On Thursday Night Football at the Houston Texans in Week 3, the Panthers faced Davis Mills, who was also making his first start. Although he didn’t turn the ball over, the Stanford product was overwhelmed by the constant defensive pressure, and aside from one 30-yard play, failed to threaten the Carolina defense in really any way.
In those two contests, the Panthers gave up three combined touchdowns, 213 passing yards per game, barely a 60 percent completion percentage, and only 6.5 yards per pass attempt. Oh yeah, and recorded 10 sacks and an interception.
It’s very hard for opponents to win NFL games when they post numbers like that. For the Panthers, they’re hoping the trend continues on Sunday.
Jones has been solid halfway through his rookie season but hasn’t yet faced a defense the caliber of Carolina’s. The Patriots have been relatively conservative in terms of letting him make plays, reserving him mainly for shorter, safer reads. But with a mostly healthy Panthers defense, that could become an issue.
Carolina has one of, if not the best, pass defenses in the league. They also play ultra-fast and is athletic on that side of the ball. If the pass-rush can get woken up, then it could be a long day for the Patriots’ rookie.