The defense balled out again, led by two interceptions from JC Jackson — one of them going the other way for six.
Is there any question who the best player on the field was on Sunday? On a day that started off with a Stephon Gilmore interception that stung Patriots fans, J.C.
With the Patriots clinging to a 14-6 lead and the Panthers driving, Jackson intercepted Darnold in the red zone and returned it 88 yards to the house to put the Patriots up 21-6.
Despite leaving the game in the second half with a head injury, Rhamondre Stevenson led the Patriots in both rushing .
It was the best game of Stevenson’s young career, and he carried the Patriots offense on Sunday versus a tough defensive front.
Going up against a tough front as well as being matched up with prodctuive edge defender, Brian Burns, Wynn was toasted early in the first half on a play that led to a strip sack against Mac Jones.
Henry hauled in his fifth touchdown catch of the season on Sunday, to put the Patriots ahead 14-6 just before the half.
I have taken it easy on Jonnu Smith in the past because I still think the Patriots are finding ways to utilize him, but the big-money tight end was a non-factor again on Sunday.
Heading into the second half and looking to make a playoff push, New England will need to get Smith going to fully maximize what it is trying to do offensively.
It was only a matter of time before Jamie Collins got on the field and flashed his elite athleticism that we’ve seen throughout his first two stints in New England.
It’s been a bit of an up-and-down 2021 season for Kyle Van Noy, but on Sunday he may have had his best game of the season.
His role as a versatile off-ball linebacker capable of playing on the edge as well is immensely important for the New England defense, especially when facing a dynamic running back like McCaffrey.