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The Patriots demolished the Carolina Panthers 42-13 in a statement win for a team that finally put it together and played a complete game.
The win is proof of what this team could be if they play fundamentally good football and executes. Drake Maye was outstanding completing 14-of-17 passes for 203 yards and two touchdown passes. He also had a rushing touchdown. Stefon Diggs finally had the type of game Patriots fans were hoping for, catching 6 passes for 101 yards. His 37th career 100 yard receiving game. The defense did its part as well limiting the Panthers to
Here are seven points on the Patriots demolition of the Panthers.
1. Marcus Jones sparks win with a record setting return day: Marcus Jones changed the complexion of the game on his 87 yard punt return. What looked like a bad decision fielding the ball, turned out to be the play that swung the momentum in the Patriots favor. The Patriots outscored Carolina 35-7 the rest of the way. Jones set a franchise record with 167 yards today. He is arguably the best punt returner in the NFL and a weapon for the Patriots.
2. Maye Day: Drake Maye played an efficient game completing 14-of-17 passes for 203 yards and two touchdown passes. Maye also scored on a rushing touchdown as well. He threw the ball well and was on time with his passes. He played as well as we have seen thus far this season.
3. Diggs finally debuts: Stefon Diggs had his best game as a Patriot, catching six passes for 101 yards. It was Diggs 37th career game with 100 or more yards receiving. After the game, I asked Diggs to categorize his comfort level in the Patriots offense. He said “5 out of 10” Diggs said he has room to grow and get even more comfortable in the system. He will be plenty motivated next Sunday with the Patriots heading to Buffalo.
4. Defense overcomes bad start: The Patriots defense got off to a rocky start giving up an opening drive score but settled down and shut down the Panthers offense. Sure, they gave up a late score but overall the defense played well holding Carolina to 337 total yards of offense and 13 points. It wasn’t a dominate performance per se but it was good enough to give the offense and the special teams a chance to do their thing.
5. Big plays finally! Going into the game, we talked about the need for big plays and the Patriots made them today. Jones punt returns immediately come to mind but Diggs had two big catches that set up score and Hunter Henry scored on a 31 yard touchdown catch. It is hard to win in football when you have to drive the ball consistently. You need shorter fields and big plays. The Patriots got both today.
6. Offensive line plays clean: The offensive line was fantastic today. They gave Maye a clean pocket and time to throw the ball. The end result was one of Maye’s best performances of the season. The running game could have been more productive but you had to be pleased with the pass protection and how much time Maye had.
7. McDaniels was cooking: Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels had a great day at the office. He designed a great plan to negate Carolina’s pass rush and force their secondary to come up and make tackles. The jet sweeps, reverses and the RPO touchdown pass from Maye to Henry showcased the versatility of the offense and how it is not what it used to be. The system has been updated and it showed today.