Carolina Panthers Reversal of Fortune, Dominated by Patriots in 42-13, Week 4 Blowout

By Kevin Tolbert

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The New England Patriots took full advantage of a team that struggled to execute. Sunday afternoon at Gillette Stadium, the Patriots dismantled the Carolina Panthers 42-13 in a game that showcased explosive special teams, efficient quarterback play, and an efficient defense. The victory lifts the Patriots to 2-2 on the season, while the Panthers fall to 1-3—the most unlike place the Panthers thought they’d be after their performance a week ago in the home opener against the Falcons.

The Panthers struck first with a 7-yard touchdown pass from Bryce Young to tight end Tommy Tremble, but a missed extra point foreshadowed the struggles to come. New England responded swiftly with an 88-yard punt return touchdown by Marcus Jones, igniting a 21-point second quarter that buried Carolina before halftime.

Panthers head coach Dave Canales was clear about who was to blame for the collapse during his postgame press conference. “I’m the common denominator when all phases aren’t executing the way we expect them to execute.”

“I have to look at how I’m preparing the team, how we’re going about our work. I have to look at that and and compete to find an edge to get these guys to work together.”

Quarterback Drake Maye led the Patriots’ offensive surge, scoring on a 5-yard designed run early in the second quarter. Following a missed 55-yard field goal attempt by Carolina’s Ryan Fitzgerald, Maye orchestrated an eight-play drive capped by a TreVeyon Henderson 5-yard touchdown run. Jones then returned another punt 61 yards to set up a 1-yard touchdown plunge by Antonio Gibson, extending the lead to 28-6 at the break.

Although the Panthers dominated in several key categories, the explosive plays they allowed were too big to overcome.

Team Stats Overview

Category	Panthers	Patriots
Total Yards	263	356
Passing Yards	150	203
Rushing Yards	113	153
First Downs	15	22
Third Down Efficiency	4/13	7/11
Turnovers	0	0
Time of Possession	28:17	31:43

Drake Maye was nearly flawless, completing 14 of 17 passes for 203 yards and two touchdowns. He added a rushing score and showed poise in the pocket, avoiding turnovers and converting key third downs. His chemistry with wide receiver Stefon Diggs was evident, as Diggs hauled in six catches for 101 yards, including several clutch grabs to extend drives.

Maye’s ability to spread the ball and make quick decisions kept Carolina’s defense off balance. His 82.4% completion rate and 142.3 passer rating were career highs, and he became the first Patriots rookie quarterback to account for three touchdowns in a game since Mac Jones in 2021.

New England’s rushing attack was equally potent. TreVeyon Henderson and Antonio Gibson combined for 98 yards and two touchdowns on 17 carries. Rhamondre Stevenson added 55 yards on 11 attempts, helping the Patriots control the clock and wear down the Panthers’ front seven.

Carolina’s rushing game showed flashes, with Rico Dowdle leading the way with 47 yards on 9 carries. Bryce

Young scrambled for 18 yards, and David Moore added 12 yards before exiting with an elbow injury on the game’s first play. “That’s what he’s supposed to say. But he can’t go out there and play. We gotta be ready to play on all three phases.”

“It falls on all of us, not just coach Canales.”

After their opening touchdown, Carolina’s offense sputtered. Bryce Young finished 18-of-30 for 150 yards and one touchdown before being replaced by veteran Andy Dalton late in the fourth quarter. The Panthers punted on four of their final five drives.

Young struggled under pressure, often forced into quick throws or checkdowns. His longest completion—a 22-yard pass to Tommy Tremble—came in garbage time. The Panthers’ offensive line, already depleted by injuries to Chandler Zavala and Brandon Walton, failed to protect consistently.

  Individual Leaders

Patriots

• Passing: Drake Maye – 14/17, 203 yards, 2 TDs

• Rushing: Rhamondre Stevenson – 11 carries, 55 yards

• Receiving: Stefon Diggs – 6 receptions, 101 yards

• Special Teams: Marcus Jones – 3 punt returns, 167 yards, 1 TD (franchise record)

Panthers

• Passing: Bryce Young – 18/30, 150 yards, 1 TD

• Rushing: Rico Dowdle – 9 carries, 47 yards

• Receiving: Tommy Tremble – 4 receptions, 38 yards, 1 TD

Injury Report

• WR David Moore (elbow) – carted off

• RG Chandler Zavala (knee) – ruled out

• DT Cam Jackson (leg) – limped off

• WR Dalevon Campbell (hamstring) – ruled out

The Patriots also saw several defenders shaken up:

• CB Charles Woods and Carlton Davis III – both left briefly

• S Jaylinn Hawkins – exited with a hamstring injury

For the Panthers, the loss raises questions about offensive consistency and depth. With mounting injuries and a 1-3 record, head coach Dave Canales faces pressure to spark a turnaround before the season slips away.