Patriots Take Down the Panthers in Preseason Matchup

By Connor Stone

In a lopsided preseason matchup, the New England Patriots emerged victorious against the Carolina Panthers, securing a 17-3 win. The game showcased a blend of promising performances and areas for improvement on both sides.

Passing Game Highlights

For the Patriots, Bailey Zappe led the way with a solid outing, completing 12 of 20 passes for 108 yards, though he did not find the end zone. Joe Milton III made a notable impact with a 54-yard touchdown pass, showcasing his deep-ball ability. Drake Maye and Jacoby Brissett saw limited action, with Maye throwing for 19 yards and Brissett failing to complete any passes.

On the Panthers' side, Jack Plummer and Jake Luton split duties at quarterback. Plummer threw for 86 yards on 11 completions, while Luton was more efficient, completing 7 of 9 passes for 38 yards. The Panthers' quarterbacks struggled to make a significant impact, contributing to their limited scoring opportunities.

Rushing and Receiving Insights

The Patriots' rushing attack was led by Terrell Jennings, who gained 38 yards on 6 carries. Kevin Harris added 22 yards on 8 attempts, while Joe Milton III contributed a respectable 22 yards. Rhamondre Stevenson had a notable run, gaining 11 yards on his only carry. Despite the mixed results on the ground, the Patriots managed to average 3.8 yards per carry, with one rushing touchdown scored by Kevin Harris.

Carolina's rushing efforts were less impactful, with Mike Boone leading the way with 34 yards on 8 carries. Jaden Shirden and Jonathan Mingo added modest contributions, but the Panthers averaged just 3.6 yards per carry and failed to find the end zone on the ground.

In the receiving game, the Patriots saw strong performances from Kayshon Boutte and JaQuae Jackson, with Boutte leading the team with 53 yards. Jackson's highlight was a 38-yard touchdown reception. JaMycal Hasty and Ja'Lynn Polk also contributed, providing a balanced receiving attack. The Patriots totaled 181 yards through the air, with 30 completions.

The Panthers' receiving corps was led by Jordan Matthews, who had 48 yards on 3 receptions. Ihmir Smith-Marsette and Jacob Hollister also contributed, but the team struggled to create explosive plays, managing just 124 passing yards overall.

Defensive and Special Teams Contributions

Defensively, both teams showed resilience. For Carolina, Alex Cook and Clayton Isbell led the way with 6 tackles each. The Panthers' defense recorded 2 sacks and forced a couple of fumbles, but they struggled to get consistent pressure on the Patriots' quarterbacks.

New England's defense was anchored by Marcellas Dial Jr. and Christian Elliss, each recording 5 tackles. The Patriots excelled in pressuring the Panthers' QBs, recording 5 sacks and limiting the Panthers to just 89 passing yards.

Special teams play was a highlight for both teams. Johnny Hekker's punting for the Panthers was impressive, averaging 46.4 yards per kick. For the Patriots, Joey Slye and Chad Ryland each converted field goals, contributing to the team’s narrow victory.

The game provided a glimpse into the strengths and weaknesses of both teams as they continue to prepare for the regular season. The Patriots showcased their depth and adaptability, particularly in their passing game and special teams. Meanwhile, the Panthers will need to refine their offensive execution and find ways to capitalize on their opportunities as they head into their final preseason games.