The Carolina Panthers’ offensive woes hit perhaps their lowest point of the season, as the New England Patriots scored more points on Panthers offensive possessions Sunday than the Panthers did. New England’s defensive domination covered up a lethargic offense as the Patriots moved to 5-4.
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New England Patriots
Quarterback
The statline wasn’t too impressive, but it was far from a bad performance from the Patriots rookie quarterback. Mac Jones once again worked efficiently underneath, with nearly 70% of his yards coming after the catch. It was his fourth straight game without a turnover-worthy play.
Running Backs
The Panthers controlled the game on the ground all day long. Rhamondre Stevenson had one of the best games of his young career. The rookie finished with 62 yards on 10 carries with four broken tackles. He also led the Pats with 44 receiving yards on two catches.
Receivers
The Pats receivers didn’t even need to show up in this one. Their receiving corps combined for four catches for 42 yards. Anytime you can still get a W with that kind of production, you’ll take it.
Offensive Line
The Patriots offensive line controlled the line of scrimmage all day long. Second-year guard Michael Onwenu was a man possessed on the ground. He was clearing out holes on the ground and allowed only one pressure.
Defensive Line
Christian Barmore came to play against a banged up Panthers offensive line. He led the Patriots with three hurries on the day, notched two batted passes and had two run stops.
Linebackers
Pats fans have to be happy to have Jamie Collins back in a Patriots jersey. His interception of Sam Darnold was the play of the day. It took some unreal anticipation and coordination to haul it in that close to the line of scrimmage.
Jamie Collins, are you kidding me? pic.twitter.com/emboqH4TS0
— Henry McKenna (@McKennAnalysis) November 7, 2021
Secondary
J.C. Jackson saw Stephon Gilmore making plays on the other side of the field and decided to one up the former Patriot. Jackson allowed only one catch on three targets for 2 yards and had two picks, including a pick-six.
That pick six is JC Jackson’s fourth interception of the season and the 21st INT of his four-year NFL career. pic.twitter.com/Z5ZUNC4w3d
— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) November 7, 2021
Quarterback
Darnold’s downward spiral continued. Missed throws, hospital balls, bad decisions — they were all there on Sunday. Darnold couldn’t get anything going and finished with multiple turnover-worthy plays for the fifth time this season.
Running Backs
Christian McCaffrey’s return didn’t result in a massive turnaround in the Panthers fortunes. He finished as the Panthers' leading rusher and leading receiver with 14 carries for 52 yards and four receptions for 54 yards.
Receivers
Panthers fans held their collective breath after D.J. Moore went down after a hospital ball in the second half. It was the second straight week a Panthers receiver was down on the ground after a big hit. The Panthers receivers combined for only five catches for 40 yards.
Offensive Line
It was a team effort in giving up pressures Sunday. Every single member of the Panthers offensive line gave up multiple pressures on the day. They weren’t a great unit at full strength, but injuries at a number of positions up front are making things a lot worse.
Defensive Line
The Panthers can ill afford to have Brian Burns missing any time. He made one of the biggest plays of the day with his sack-fumble on Mac Jones. On that play, Jones grabbed and twisted Burns ankle in an effort to slow him down.
Mac Jones twisting Brian Burns’ lower leg. pic.twitter.com/BTPRcRfoXd
— John Ellis (@1PantherPlace) November 7, 2021
Linebackers
The Panthers linebackers had a rough day at the office against the physical Patriots offensive line. Jermaine Carter was nowhere to be found getting off blocks Sunday and finished with only two stops on the day.
Secondary
The Panthers cornerbacks weren’t even tested on Sunday. They combined to allow 4-of-7 targets for 32 yards with only one of those going for a first down.
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