New England Patriots: Keys to victory vs. Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers
Who are they? Panthers defense vs Patriots offense
Former Patriot Steve Israel (now based in North Carolina) told Mike Reiss that the Cats’ interior defense is top two in the league thanks to Vernon Butler, Star Lotulelei, and Kawann Short. Israel also gives high marks to the defensive ends Julius Pepper, Mario Addison, and Charles Johnson.
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In fact, the New England Patriots have called three time All-Pro Luke Kuechly “the best pass-game linebacker in the NFL” (he might cover Gronk Sunday) who is nearly matched by speedy Shaq Thompson, the other LB.
The Gronk-Kuechly match-up will be a treat to watch as always, especially with Kuechly coming out this week saying “I might’ve got away with one there. I’m not even going to act like I didn’t” in reference to his egregious uncalled end-zone hold of Gronk at the end of the Patriots-Panthers game in 2013, resulting in a Panthers victory
If rookie Deshaun Watson gave the Pats fits with his running ability last week – four tackles missed him at one point – then his inspiration, Cam Newton, ought to positively ghost the Pats’ defense! Or so Bill might say, conveniently overlooking that Cam is currently a shadow of his Super Bowl self.
Luckily for the Pats’ offensive line, Marcus Cannon will most likely return this week. Even so, they’ll have their work cut out for them.