"A blowout in the Patriots' favor and backups getting playing time in the fourth quarter. That changed in a monumental way on Sunday in the form of a 42-13 pummeling of the Carolina Panthers that marked New England's biggest romping since a 29-0 win over Detroit in 2022, and the Patriots' first time cracking 40 points since a Week 17 win over the Jaguars in 2021."
"Smart, situational football was the sweet spot for this Patriots' blowout Many throughout New England and inside Gillette Stadium had to be thinking, "Here we go again," after the Panthers took the opening kickoff and went right down the field to score a touchdown. The Patriots' offense followed up with a lifeless 3-and-out. But Marcus Jones turned the tide with an electrifying 87-yard punt return for a touchdown, and the Patriots never trailed the rest of the way."
New England routed Carolina 42-13, marking the Patriots' largest blowout since 2022 and first 40-point game since 2021. The team corrected issues from the prior loss by eliminating turnovers and cleaning up early penalties, finishing the month 2-2 under head coach Mike Vrabel. An 87-yard punt return touchdown by Marcus Jones shifted momentum after an early Panthers score and a lifeless Patriots possession. Smart, situational play and special teams impact allowed New England to control the game and give backups late playing time. Beating weaker opponents at home remains essential for credibility across the NFL.
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