New England Patriots vs Carolina Panthers: Game Four Preview and Prediction
By Hal Bent
WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN (GAME PREDICTION)
Look for the defense to bounce-back a little in New England if Dont’a Hightower is on the field. His presence alone will steady the unit. In addition, Carolina is struggling on offense with tight end Greg Olsen out on injured reserve with a foot injury. Wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin is playing through a knee injury and young wide receivers Curtis Samuel and Devin Funchess have failed to step-up.
With a pair of second-year cornerbacks in Carolina, they got abused by veteran Drew Brees last week. With the ultra-competitive Tom Brady looking at the tape and thinking “anything you can do, I can do better” they young duo is going to have their heads-spinning after having to face a future Hall-of-Fame quarterback in consecutive weeks.
New England should be able to put-up points on the Panthers this week just like New Orleans was able to do the prior week. However, the Patriots defense needs to find a way to stop the big chunk plays and make opposing offenses uncomfortable. A weak Carolina offense should be just the confidence boost the Patriots need to start getting back on track on defense.