New England Patriots vs Carolina Panthers: Game Four Preview and Prediction
By Hal Bent
It is time for the new additions to shine for New England. All three of these players were brought in to improve the team and all three have failed to make a consistent impact through the first three games of the season.
For Cooks, his game-winning toe-tapping catch was excellent but he has been hit-or-miss so far in 2017. With just ten catches and 18 targets through the first three games of the season, offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels needs to find a way to get the ball to Cooks in space where he can make plays with his feet. In short, more horizontal and less vertical.
For Gillislee, after making a splash with three “vulture” touchdown runs in week one, he has been a disappointment. Averaging just 3.2 yards per rush, he has shown little of the elusiveness from last season that made him a restricted free agent target for New England. With 145 yards rushing on 45 attempts through three games the Patriots are not getting the bang for the buck they anticipated with Gillislee.
Finally, Gilmore needs to take a step forward on defense. In week one, a miscommunication with safety Devin McCourty cost New England the game and has allowed a big play in each game so far. While he had an interception last week and has been solid for the most part, he needs to start performing like the number one cornerback he was brought in to be. Just good is not good enough right now.