Fan Notes from the Patriots’ 42-13 win over the Panthers

That was OK, I guess.

It’s been a while since the Patriots blew a team out of the water and we all got to relax in the second half, so this was one of the more enjoyable viewing experiences I’ve had in a while. This was exactly what I was hoping to see and the kind of game that this team needed in the worst way, given how last week went down.

So let’s get to it.

1. It’s silly to call this a must-win game, given that it’s Week 4, but this was a must-win game. The Patruots are a better team than the Panthers, and if they couldn’t beat this Caroline team at home, there would be serious hell to pay. Plus, the Patriots are going on the road to Buffalo for a primetime game against the Bills; I can’t see them winning that one. And if there’s a bigger gap separating one game that 2-3 vs. 1-4, I don’t know what it is. So good for the Patriots for getting it done.
2. Given the way this game started, with the Panthers driving 76 yards in seven plays for the score where they didn’t need a single third down to find the end zone, I don’t think you should give yourself a hard time if you were kind of sweating this one out at the start.
3. Particularly considering how the Patriots went three and out on their opening offensive possession and were lucky to get out of that drive with a punt. I legit thought that was going to be a pick and that Carolina was going to be up 13-0 before the Pats even really had a chance to take the field.
4. However, after that opening Panthers drive, it was all New England, kicked off by an 87-yard Marcus Jones punt return that completely flipped the script on the entire game.
5. Honestly, after that return, it was like the Panthers finally realized that they were the Panthers and didn’t do a damn thing for the rest of the game.
6. To that end it’s easy to look at New England’s opponent and not put too much stock into this win. And if the Patriots had pulled out a 16-4 victory, you might have a case. But 42-13 with the final Carolina score coming well into garbage time is a very solid result and exactly what you hope to see from a Patriots team playing a squad that isn’t quite in their league.
7. New England did everything you wanted them to do in this game. No turnovers. 100+ yards on the ground. 14 of 17 through the air for 203 yards and two scores from Maye. Seven different Patriots caught at least one pass, with Stefon Diggs having his best game as a Patriot. The offense moved the ball efficiently, effectively, and with purpose.
8. Don’t look now, but Hunter Henry has spent the last few seasons carving himself out as one of...