A thing fans of the New England Patriots have not gotten accustomed to seeing over the last few years? A blowout in the Patriots' favor and backups getting playing time in the fourth quarter.
That changed in a monumental way on Sunday in the form of a 42-13 pummeling of the Carolina Panthers that marked New England's biggest romping since a 29-0 win over Detroit in 2022, and the Patriots' first time cracking 40 points since a Week 17 win over the Jaguars in 2021.
What a good feeling it was for a fanbase itching for something it had not seen in a long, long time. Granted, the Panthers are one of the league's worst teams, but these are the types of teams the Patriots need to take care of - especially at home - if they're going to be taken seriously across the NFL.
The #Patriots win 42-13. Their biggest blowout win since Week 5, 2022 vs. Detroit (29-0). It's also their first game scoring over 40 points since Week 17, 2021 vs. Jacksonville.
— Evan Lazar (@ezlazar) September 28, 2025
New England ends its first month under HC Mike Vrabel at an even 2-2 – we'll take it.
The bottom line? The Patriots overcame the issues that cost them in their loss to Pittsburgh last week. They committed some silly penalties in the first quarter, but eradicated that and did not turn the ball over.
Smart, situational football was the sweet spot for this Patriots' blowout
Many throughout New England and inside Gillette Stadium had to be thinking, "Here we go again," after the Panthers took the opening kickoff and went right down the field to score a touchdown. The Patriots' offense followed up with a lifeless 3-and-out.
But Marcus Jones turned the tide with an electrifying 87-yard punt return for a touchdown, and the Patriots never trailed the rest of the way. Jones has been known for his electrifying plays during his time in New England, and that punt return came at a time when the Patriots needed it most. Fielding a punt at your own 13-yard line is typically playing with house money, but Jones cashed in.
New England's offense, led by Drake Maye, was off and running from there, and the second-year quarterback was his strong, efficient self, completing 14 of 17 passes for 203 yards and two touchdowns and rushing for another score. The Patriots' offense averaged 6.4 yards per play, so kudos to Josh McDaniels for a great game plan.
Sunday felt like old times in Foxborough, and it sure was great. Even though Carolina may finish near the bottom of the NFC, this was a team coming off a 30-0 pasting of Atlanta, and the Patriots could not afford to go into a Week 5 game at Buffalo on "Sunday Night Football" sitting at 1-3.
The Patriots firmly handled their business. Perhaps this is a game that turns the corner and makes this season a fun one.