Week 3 New England Patriots 30 - Carolina Panthers 7
The Patriots allowed a late Joe Webb TD from shutting out the Carolina Panthers. It was all Patriots from the start.
Some early struggles on offense were alleviated. Final score was 30-7.
The Patriots built a 20-0 third quarter lead on two Shane Vereen scores. Big 1st half hightlight was the Stephen Gotkowski 60 yard field goal.
There was a bit of excitement on the third offensive possession for the Patriots. QB Ryan Mallett entered in relief for Tom Brady. Tom had thrown two passes low for incompletions, and had tripped on the foot of RG Jordan Devey. Ryan led the Patriots into field goal range for Stephen Gotkowski. Tom Brady returned to his usual efficient rate with 17 for 21 for 204 yards and 2 touchdowns. Even when it looks like Tom is struggling, he finds a way to put up great numbers.
Chandler Jones and Rob Ninkovich looked in mid-season form. 3 sacks kept Cam Newton on edge all evening. Goal-line interception by LB Steve Beauharnais and 60 yard run set up drive for QB Jimmy Garroppalo. Jimmy finished 9 for 12 for 105 yards. It appears QB Ryan Mallett will get a larger workload in Week 4 when the Patriots protect the starters.
Christian Fauria on WBZ-TV listed his three areas of concern. Secondary, 2 or 3 QB's?,and Offensive line. Answers may not be available until Week 4.
If this were hockey, top 3 stars would be: 3. Stephen Gotkowski 2. Chandler Jones 1. Shane Vereen
Next week's final exhibition game is Thursday night, August 28th in MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ.
Paul Murphy is a freelance writer from New Hampshire.
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