New England Patriots: Cornerbacks will be challenged by the Panthers

In Week 4, the New England Patriots will be hosting the Carolina Panthers at home. One of the key matchups will be between the cornerbacks for the Patriots and the wide receivers of the Panthers.

Through three weeks of football, the New England Patriots have a 2-1 record. While many teams would be happy with a winning record through three weeks, the Patriots aren’t going after a really close game against the Houston Texans.

So far this season, the defense of New England has been highly talked about. Besides the game against the Saints, the Patriots’ defense has looked nothing like it did in 2016. They have allowed over 30 points to both the Kansas City Chiefs and the Texans, neither of who are considered to be a good offensive team.

In Week 4, the Patriots will be facing the Carolina Panthers. When playing the Panthers, all of the attention is usually on Cam Newton. As one of the best young quarterbacks in the league, Newton has certainly had some success in the NFL. However, injuries the past few years have really taken their toll on him.

Last season, Newton clearly wasn’t himself, and so far this season he hasn’t been either. After undergoing offseason surgery, Newton doesn’t appear to be at 100 percent yet. Despite this, the Panthers have a 2-1 record and have been finding ways to win games.

Even though Newton hasn’t played well this season, he does have two wide receivers that are going to be a big threat to the Patriots. Both Kelvin Benjamin and Devin Funchess can cause a lot of problems for New England.

As a great duo at wide receiver, both are playing well this season despite some of the struggles of Newton. Even though their stats this season won’t jump off the page, this combination at wide receiver against Stephon Gilmore and Malcolm Butler will be a fun one.

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With both Benjamin and Funchess being at least 6’4”, Butler and Gilmore will have to be prepared for some physical play on the outside in Week 4. If Butler and Gilmore can win their matchups, the Patriots should be able to get a win against the Panthers.