New England Patriots - NESN.com
One facet of the New England Patriots’ defense can continue its stellar start to the 2025 season.
ESPN’s Mike Reiss noted in his weekly column that the Patriots have a chance to hold each of their first four opponents under 100 rushing yards for just the second time in franchise history. They last achieved that feat in 1964.
New England can extend that streak when hosting the Carolina Panthers on Sunday afternoon.
The Patriots have allowed just 60.3 rushing yards per game, the NFL’s second-lowest average behind the Cleveland Browns (57.3). Opponents have mustered 2.8 yards per carry without mustering a run longer than 18 yards in 65 tries.
New England opened the season by spoiling Ashton Jeanty’s debut. The Patriots stymied the first-round pick to 38 yards on 19 handoffs in a Week 1 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Dolphins combined for 61 rushing yards in a Week 2 loss, and the Pittsburgh Steelers mustered 64 yards on the ground last Sunday.
Carolina ranks 25th with 90.7 rushing yards per game. Chuba Hubbard was listed as questionable for the Week 4 matchup due to a calf injury, but the starting running back is active.
The Patriots must also contain Bryce Young, the most mobile quarterback they’ve faced thus far. Their early success against the run will then face a steep challenge when they play the Buffalo Bills in Week 5.
Sunday’s game against the Panthers starts at 1 p.m. ET.
