The Patriots host the Panthers in Week 4, looking to rebound from a turnover-filled defeat at the hands of the Pittsburgh Steelers last week.
Carolina is fresh off a surprising 30-0 win over the Falcons, their first victory of the season. The Panthers capitalized on turnovers and special teams miscues, exactly how the Patriots have dropped two of their first three games. With both teams trying to find consistency, this matchup will hinge on how well the Patriots can contain Bryce Young, exploit Carolina's defensive weaknesses, and clean up their own execution.
Here are the three things to watch most closely.
1. Contain Bryce Young and Tetairoa McMillan
Bryce Young played mistake-free football last week, throwing for 121 yards and rushing for a touchdown while maximizing his team's opportunities. His connection with rookie receiver Tetairoa McMillan is growing. McMillan leads the team in targets and made a circus sideline catch against Atlanta that showcased his size and ball skills, but is battling a calf injury that could limit him. The Patriots could match Carlton Davis on McMillan if he's able to go and lean into zone coverage to keep Young from hurting them with his legs. With Christian Gonzalez expected to make his season debut, the Pats will have some options to consider.
Young had six rushing touchdowns last season and picked up his first of 2025 last week against the Falcons. He's comfortable throwing on the move, highlighting how the Patriots will need to keep him in the pocket and force him to throw around the big bodies in front of him.
2. Let Drake Bake
The Panthers have just one sack through three games (by rookie Princely Umanmielen) and rank 30th in pressure rate and 22nd in blitz rate. Their top pressure producers, DJ Wonnum (8 pressures) and A'Shawn Robinson (7 pressures), haven't finished plays, as the defense has struggled to generate consistent disruption.
That's good news for Drake Maye, but Carolina's secondary has grabbed four interceptions this season and has the kind of ballhawks who can extend New England's turnover issues.
Carolina plays zone at the third-highest rate in the league, and Maye has seen the ninth-most zone coverage among all quarterbacks. After seeing a spike in man coverage against the Steelers, Maye should have a growing comfort attacking zone coverage.
Though Carolina likes to disguise pressure (fifth in creeper pressure rate), they shouldn't have anything in their bag that Maye hasn't been seeing plenty of to start the season. The Patriots offensive line has allowed 12 sacks through three games and Maye has seen the seventh-highest pressure rate among NFL starting QBs, but this might be a good opportunity to keep him clean and let him deliver.
3. Keep the Offense Balanced
By most notable metrics, the Panthers have one of the worst run defenses in the NFL, currently the only team to allow more than five yards per carry (5.2) while allowing a rushing success rate of 50% or better (50.5%). Those numbers should put a big target on their run defense, despite the stellar play of interior defensive lineman Derrick Brown, who remains a dominant force.
Rhamondre Stevenson's two fumbles last week are something to consider when constructing a game plan, but this could be the right week for the Patriots ground game to fully find its stride and perhaps get Stevenson back on track. After rushing for just 60 yards in Week 1, they've broken 100 yards in each of the last two matchups and will have their best opportunity yet to move the ball on the ground, take pressure off Maye and keep the Panthers defense on their heels.
Finding the right balance to take advantage of Carolina's defensive weaknesses will be Josh McDaniels' task this week. Look for the Patriots to lean into early-down runs and play-action shots to stretch Carolina's zone coverage.
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