Patriots - Panthers Recap

The Patriots took down the Panthers 20-10 in a uninspiring victory.

It wasn't pretty, especially considering the Panthers started backup QB Matt Moore. Nevertheless, a win is a win and after losing 3 out of the last 4 games, the Patriots advanced to 7-0 at home this season.

Despite winning the game, the team looked flat. Their game was sloppy and careless. With three turnovers and a 27% mark on 3rd down a good team probably would have beaten them.

One highlight in the game was a 3rd quarter 13 play 96-yard drive that took 7:20 off the clock. On the drive Wes Welker caught 5 of his 10 catches (including his 100th of the season) and Benjamin Watson capped off the drive with a 5-yard TD catch.

Much has been discussed since Sunday's game about the lackluster play of Randy Moss. Moss did fumble his only catch, dropped passes, and run a lazy route on Tom Bradys only interception, but lets get real. Coach Bill Belichick, owner Robert Kraft, and Brady have all publicly stood up for Moss so lets hope he gets the picture this week. After being sent home last week for being late to a team meeting it was clear he was frustrated especially having one of the worst games of his career. Randy has all of Brady's confidence and by year end look for this duo to hook up again and again.

The Patriots ran the rock well and had a season high 185 yards. Laurence Maroney had 94 yards on 22 carries, Kevin Faulk 10 times for 56 yards and a TD, with Sammy Morris scampering for 35 yards on 6 carries and a fumble.

MORE:

• The inactives for the game included WR Sam Aiken, RB Fred Taylor, CB Terrence Wheatley, DT Myron Pryor, OG Stephen Neal, and OG Rich Ohrnberger. Aiken's absence meant more snaps for Julian Edelman, while Neal's absence meant Dan Connolly stepped in at RG.
• James Sanders and Shawn Springs returned to the starting line-up, as the Patriots tried to shake up the D. Junior Seau also saw his most extensive action of the season. Brandon McGowan, Jonthan Wilhite/Darius Butler, and Gary Guyton all saw a decrease in their playing time.
• Kicker Stephen Gostkowski enjoyed a great day and hit field goals of 48 and 47 yards in cold and damp conditions.
• Sebastian Vollmer returned to the active squad and saw time at left and right tackle as the offense employed a bit of a rotation for Light and Kazcur.
• Ty Warren, Vince Wilfork, Nick Kazcur, and Tully Banta-Cain all left the game at points with injuries on Sunday.

The 8-5 Patriots are up one game in the division and have a key divisional game at Buffalo that should not be taken lightly.