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New England Patriots at Carolina Panthers: 5 Takeaways

By Erik Lambert

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Aug 28, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) calls out the signal change during the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

It was a tight, defensively-driven third game of the NFL preseason as the Carolina Panthers were narrowly edged by the New England Patriots 17-16.  However, the more important aspect is how the teams performed in terms of players and units.  Here are five key takeaways from the action.

Tom Brady still not looking like himself

Fans have grown so used to it by now that they expect it.  Tom Brady always plays well, regardless of preseason or regular season or playoffs.  So it’s interesting to have watched his progression through thus far.  Suffice to say the 38-year old looks off.  He has completed just 10-of-22 passes for 107 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions.  Sure one can excuse a bad performance in a single game, but when it stretches through multiple ones it becomes a concern.

Adding to this is the fact he could miss as many as four games for the Deflategate incident, dulling his edge even further.

Pats running game lacks depth

Worse still is the status of the Patriots running game.  Losing Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen in free agency were played off as not a big deal but the preseason has shown otherwise.  Outside of LeGarrette Blount, every other Patriots running back hasn’t found consistent production on the ground.  Going into the Panthers game they were averaging 3.75 yards per carry as a team.  It didn’t seem to improve much as nobody besides Blount averaged 4.0 yards or more.

If Jimmy Garoppolo is going to have any hope with Brady out, that rushing attack needs to improve.

Charles Tillman brings more than veteran savvy

He may not have many years left, but two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Charles Tillman showed he can still get it done, even against the best with his brilliant pickpocket interception of the Patriots in the 1st half.

If he can stay healthy then that already pretty good Panthers defense gets even more dangerous as Tillman brings not only experience but knowledge on what it takes to win in the playoffs, something he did in Chicago.

Panthers offensive line needs work

Though Cam Newton played efficiently, not turning the football over and managing to create some plays in the passing game, by and large the Panthers offensive line.  This is a running theme dating back to last season.  The Patriots sacked Newton twice and the ground attack was largely ineffective, finishing under 100 yards total for the game with no touchdowns.

Considering the injury to Kelvin Benjamin and the hit the passing game takes because of it, Carolina knows they will need the running game to carry the load in 2015.  That won’t work until the hogs up front start playing better.

Jarrett Boykin could be a sleeper

As stated early, the Benjamin injury really hurts what the Panthers can do offensively through the air.  The best they can hope for is that veterans Jerricho Cotchery and Ted Ginn Jr. can carry the load while a young buck takes advantage of an opportunity.  Early signs point to Jarrett Boykin being a prime choice for that possibility.

Discarded by the Green Bay Packers due to a crowded depth chart, the 25-year old has had a pretty solid preseason with nine catches for 93 yards.  His explosiveness is evident but he still needs more time to learn the offense.  If can do so quickly, then perhaps the Panthers aren’t as dead in the water as they appear.

Next: NFL Power Rankings: Worst Injuries Of 2015 (So Far)

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