Looking at the Patriots' 2025 schedule, it was easy to see why it was deemed one of the easiest in the NFL, therefore becoming the basis for some analysts and fans' belief that a playoff push wasn't out of the question. However, based on what we've seen from them so far, those hopes are likely dashed, and there are more concerns surrounding the roster than a potential postseason run.
There have been significant upgrades to the team since Mike Vrabel became the head coach earlier this season, which has prompted a lot of optimism around certain groups, especially special teams, as the new head coach chose to retain coordinator Jeremy Springer.
He impressed during his first season in 2024, opening the door for him to remain on the staff despite Jerod Mayo's departure. However, the third unit hasn't performed up to the standard that Bill Belichick had long set over the last two decades.
That is going to be a significant problem against the Panthers this week, despite many overlooking them as a legitimate opponent, particularly on special teams.
Success on special teams could be a big factor in determining if the Patriots win in Week 4
Going into Sunday's matchup, the Panthers are strong in a crucial aspect of special teams, and that's pinning their opponent deep in their own territory during kickoffs.
The Patriots haven't been great about getting out of that through three games, so that will surely be something to watch; hopefully, they can overcome it, as it will be inevitable.
The Patriots have had a 3rd worst starting field position of any team this season, and the Panthers are the best in the NFL at pinning you deep on kickoffs.
— Matt St. Jean (@mattstdream) September 23, 2025
New England also has the longest kick return of anyone this year with 1 of 2 return TDs this season.
A matchup to watch. https://t.co/X0QC8Nthji
Fortunately and unsurprisingly, that appears to be a focus of practice this week, according to Mike Vrabel, who told reporters he spent a lot of time watching Carolina's kickoff coverage on Tuesday night, seemingly confirming that it will be an emphasis in the game on Sunday.
It will need to be if the Patriots hope to have any chance of walking out with another win.
Mike Vrabel says he spent 2 hours last night watching the Panthers’ kickoff coverage unit, and Ryan Fitzgerald’s effective “dirty” kickoffs. https://t.co/OZuPuw0ZAM
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) September 24, 2025
If they can manage to limit the turnovers and get back to their roots of being solid on special teams, there's no reason for them to leave Week 4 with another loss.
The Panthers are a team dealing with numerous behind-the-scenes changes and a roster lacking in talent, a story that has been repeated for many years at this point. The Patriots need to take advantage of that and show why they could have been a 3-0 team going into this game, rather than playing like the 1-2 team that they have become.
They have statistically outplayed their opponents through three games, and that should continue this week, but hopefully in their favor this time. Success on special teams will be a massive reason for that.