The New England Patriots pushed their winning streak to a season-high three games with a 24-6 victory over the Carolina Panthers in Sunday afternoon’s Week 9 contest at Bank of America Stadium.
New England’s defense was a major factor in the result of the game. Not only did they allow less than 10 points, the defense had three takeaways and only surrendered 4.2 yards per play. The Panthers could only muster 240 total yards of offense.
Quarterback Mac Jones and the Patriots are above .500 for the first time in the 2021 campaign with a 5-4 record. They are the only AFC team that has gone unbeaten on the road at 4-0.
Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold had another bad day at the office. He finished 16 of 33 for 172 yards through the air, with three interceptions, two of them by cornerback J.C. Jackson after the Panthers (4-5) reached the red area. Darnold has been picked off nine times and has only thrown for one score in four career starts against the Bill Belichick-led Patriots.
Unlike two weeks ago, against the New York Giants, Panthers coach Matt Rhule did not go to backup quarterback P.J. Walker, despite interceptions on three straight drives in the second half. For most of the season, Darnold has been under siege because of his offensive line difficulties. He lost starting center Matt Paradis (knee) and left tackle Cameron Erving (calf) to injuries in the first half.
Even with the return of the Panthers star running back Christian McCaffrey from a five-game hiatus, could not help Carolina’s anemic offense. McCaffrey tried his best with 106 all-purpose yards. He had 14 carries for 52 yards and caught four receptions for 54 yards in his return to the starting lineup.
Carolina’s only points came courtesy of their defense, which forced two Jones turnovers in New England territory in the first half. One of the turnovers was forced by defensive end Brian Burns’ sack-fumble and one more when former Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore had an interception. The Panthers trailed 14-6 going into the locker room after accumulating only 65 yards of offense in the first thirty minutes of action.
More of the same happened to start the second half. The Panthers were able to get to the Patriots 20 yard line, but Darnold rolled out of the pocket on a second down play and overthrew tight end Ian Thomas. Jackson intercepted the ball and scampered 88 yards down the field for a touchdown.
Things only got worse from there. Darnold was picked off on his next two drives, including a second one by Jackson in the end zone. After that, there was a verbal confrontation between Darnold and wide receiver Robby Anderson, throwing his helmet toward the bench in frustration.
Patriots quarterback Mac Jones overcame two early mistakes and threw for 139 yards and a touchdown pass. Running back Damien Harris and tight end Hunter Henry scored touchdowns for the Patriots. Veteran running back Brandon Bolden (54 yards on eight carries) and rookie Rhamondre Stevenson (62 yards on 10 carries) were responsible for most of the production on the ground.
The Patriots host Baker Mayfield and the Cleveland Browns next Sunday. The Panthers travel to Arizona to face the Cardinals next Sunday also.
