Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Panthers’ defense readying for test against Patriots’ offense
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The Carolina Panthers' defense made a statement during the first two weeks of the season when it held the San Francisco 49ers and Buffalo Bills to a combined six points in back-to-back victories.
It took a step backward in last week's loss 34-13 to New Orleans, but still is the NFL's top-ranked defense entering today's matchup with New England. Through three games, Carolina is allowing just 252 yards per game.
The Panthers (2-1) now are hoping to fix whatever vulnerabilities were exposed against the Saints as they prepare to face Tom Brady and a Patriots offense that is averaging a league-best 441 yards per game.
Carolina coach Ron Rivera said that even at 40 years old, he thinks Brady is as formidable as ever. He said the absence of receiver Julian Edelman has only caused Brady to make minor adjustments.
"You see him spreading the ball out a little more — mostly out of necessity," Rivera said. "But he still has an array of weapons. He just doesn't have that one singular guy that he's had in the past."
Whether he has a go-to guy or not, as the Patriots (2-1) prepare for their toughest defensive test of the season, the offensive line's ability to protect Brady will be in the spotlight.
Brady was sacked 15 times during his abbreviated 12-game regular season in 2016. That number is already up to 10 this season.
But Brady maintains his recovery time is also better because he has learned how to absorb punishment during his career.
"You do have to learn how to find the way down in a way that you'll be able to get up and try to play the next play," Brady said. "There's some luck involved, but let's go again, baby. Let's line them up and play."
The Panthers have done a good job getting after the quarterback this season, posting eight total sacks. At 37, linebacker Julius Peppers leads the team with 21/2 sacks.
But linebacker Luke Kuechly, who has a team-best 25 tackles, said they can't ignore the versatility of New England' run game. Mike Gillislee is tied for the NFL lead with four rushing scores, and James White has 12 catches for 126 yards.
"They got something for everything," Kuechly said. "I think that's what makes them unique is they've got guys than can run the ball, they've got guys that can catch the ball. ... We've got to have our eyes open and see who's coming in the game."
Here is something to watch in Sunday's game:
MILESTONE WATCH
With 185 career regular-season victories as a starting quarterback, Brady is one win from tying Brett Favre and Peyton Manning (186) for the most in NFL history.