Edelman offers glimpse of old self

PATRIOTS NOTEBOOK

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Patriots’ first-team offense mustered only three points in last night’s opening half, but there was plenty to like about its performance against Carolina.

By far the most important takeaway from a 25-14 loss to the Panthers: Julian Edelman is starting to look like himself.

Facing a third-and-8 on the second possession, quarterback Tom Brady quickly tossed the ball to Edelman on the right side of the formation. The elusive receiver immediately shook the first defender, as he’s done so often throughout the years, and surged forward, lunging toward the marker for an unlikely first down.

On the next drive, Edelman separated from tight coverage for an 8-yard gain while running one of his patented pivot routes. That play set up a third-and-2 for the Patriots, and on cue Edelman delivered with a reception over the middle to move the chains.

Throughout the preseason, Edelman tempered expectations for his return from ACL surgery. In early August, Edelman declared he didn’t yet have his “football legs.” He’s since backed off that statement.

“You guys really ran with that, huh, jeez?” Edelman said on Wednesday. “I think it’s just part of the process. Coming off an injury, you don’t have the foundation that shows how important the offseason is, especially with conditioning. A lot of the hours that are away from the building are a huge part of getting you right and ready for the season.”

Last night, Edelman looked ready. He finished with three catches for 23 yards before he was pulled for the game. His lone miscue was an uncharacteristic drop on a thirddown out route with 3:36 left in the half.

Unless he plays in the preseason finale against the Giants, Edelman won’t see the field again until Week 5 against the Colts. He’ll serve a four-game suspension to begin the season for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs.

Dorsett a big factor

While Edelman is out, Brady will rely on Phillip Dorsett, whose performance against the Panthers was encouraging. He caught a team-high four passes for 36 yards and also made a difficult, contested catch over the middle on the third series, snagging a high pass and maintaining control as he absorbed contact from multiple Carolina defenders. Later, he secured a high pass from Brady at the marker to convert a fourth-and-3.

Dorsett looked solid early in camp, adding possessiontype routes to his repertoire. Until last night, his practice success hadn’t translated to game production.

The potential emergence of Dorsett would be enormous for an offense short on proven wide receivers.

A third wideout, Cordarrelle Patterson, showed impressive flashes. Operating out of the slot, Patterson caught a shallow drag route, backtracked a few yards, looped around the secondary and got to the edge for a 10yard gain and a first down.

Patterson and Brady still have work to do, however. Their timing appeared off on a quick comeback route in the first half.

Debuts on both sides

We had a Rob Gronkowski sighting. In past years, the Patriots didn’t risk it with Gronkowski until the games counted. He did not appear in a preseason game from 2013-16. A year ago, the team’s approach changed, letting the big fella suit up for a few preseason games.

Gronkowski’s only target came on the second snap of the opening possession. The pass was batted down by Panthers defensive end Mario Addison . . ..

Cornerback Jonathan Jones returned after missing the first two preseason games. He started the night on the kickoff team and checked in as the third cornerback in nickel defense. Entering his third year, Jones appears to be leading the competition for the slot cornerback role . . . .

Cornerback Cyrus Jones, who began the summer on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, didn’t play in the first half, but served as the kick returner to open the second half. A nifty return was negated due to a penalty. Jones also played slot cornerback and returned punts.

Going after Gilmore

Cam Newton wasn’t afraid to target star cornerback Stephon Gilmore. On Carolina’s second series, Newton hit Devin Funchess for a 28-yard gain down the right sideline with Gilmore in coverage. On the next play, Gilmore lost track of Curtis Samuel on a deep crossing route.

Gilmore had some bright moments, too. On Carolina’s opening possession, he blanketed Panthers rookie receiver D.J. Moore on a third-down pass.

Personnel notes

Wide receiver Eric Decker entered the game in the second half with Brian Hoyer and the second-string offense. He caught two passes for 12 yards on five targets.

Running back Jeremy Hill played deep into the second half and was shaken up following a horse-collar tackle in the fourth quarter.

Keionta Davis started at left defensive end for the second straight game.

Linebacker Elandon Roberts got the nod over rookie Ja’Whaun Bentley on the first defensive possession.