More of the same
Defense shows it still can’t stop mobile QBs
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Last week against the Eagles, the Patriots defense showed some encouraging signs.
With eight sacks, there was evidence they had discovered a pass rush, one that was missing at key points last season.
Last night against the Panthers, we wondered if they could contain a mobile quarterback in Cam Newton, something they couldn’t do last season, whether it was Newton, or Hous- ton’s Deshaun Watson.
How would de facto defensive coordinator Brian Flores attack Newton during the half he played?
We also wondered if the Patriots could stop Christian McCaffrey, one of the best pass-catching backs in the league. The Pats were woeful in that department last season, as well, starting with Kareem Hunt from the Chiefs, while Corey Clement of the Eagles punished them in the Super Bowl.
So what did we learn last night in the Patriots’ 25-14 loss to the Panthers?
It doesn’t look like very much has changed. The first drive sure didn’t make anyone feel very confident, as the Panthers offense put together a drive that lasted 16 plays, went for nearly 10 minutes, and naturally featured McCaffrey in every possible way, along with showcasing Newton’s skills.
It only netted a field goal, but McCaffrey had nine rushes for 42 yards for a 4.7 yard average in that series, as they continually blasted through the left side. McCaffrey also caught one pass for nine yards as the Panthers were on the field forever, keeping Tom Brady on the sidelines.
As for Newton, he was in the shotgun most of the time, and wasn’t particularly bothered. The Pats didn’t do the best job of containing him, as he raced for 11 yards before being upended by Jonathan Jones. Newton had to leave for a few plays to shake out some cobwebs. He landed on his head, but he was fine, coming back to make plenty more plays before the half.
The Patriots did the classic bend but don’t break, allowing just three field goals with most of the starters on the field in the first half, but the Panthers still moved the ball and did things that made you think not much had changed. It all looked too familiar.
There were still the same issues with regard to the mobile quarterback, as Newton continually made plays on the run, either gaining yards by himself, or hitting his receivers, tight ends, or backs. And McCaffrey was a pain every which way (12 rushes, 48 yards; two catches, 18 yards).
And here’s another interesting twist: Newton wasn’t shy about who he attacked on the Patriots defense. In fact, he consistently went after Stephon Gilmore, which was surprising. He completed three catches on five targets for 63 yards in the first half on the Patriots’ top corner.
Newton’s favorite target overall was tight end Greg Olsen, who had four catches for 44 yards and nearly got them in the end zone before the half. The Pats had kept Newton in the pocket for the most part, but during the drive before the half, he was able to scramble, and throw on the move.
Before that, he just sat in the pocket, with a lot of time to hit his receivers, whether it was Devin Funchess (two catches, 35 yards), Curtis Samuel (one catch, 28 yards) or Jarius Wright (one catch, 11 yards).
All in all, it was still not the most encouraging night for the starters, even if they bend and didn’t break.