It’s gone final in Charlotte: the Patriots are back over .500 after a 24-6 road over the Carolina Panthers, sitting at 5-4 on the season. The defense had one of its best games of the season, holding the Panthers without a touchdown and causing three turnovers.
— MORE: Patriots-Panthers Ups & Downs
Scroll down for a recap of the game’s top highlights.
Q4, 13:31: Jackson makes another INT
J.C. Jackson seems like he was motivated to show out well in the Patriots’ first game against Stephon Gilmore since trading him. The Pats’ No. 1 corner now has two picks on the day after intercepting Sam Darnold in the end zone. Pats take over with a chance to add insurance points after the Panthers come up empty in the red zone.
That's why he's Mr. INT.
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) November 7, 2021
๐บ: @NFLonCBS / Patriots app pic.twitter.com/2pVsNMNVIIQ3, 4:10: An interception for ... Jamie Collins?!
Yet another interception for Sam Darnold, and this one is particularly embarrassing. Collins leaped to gobble up a fluttering pass over the middle, barely past the line of scrimmage. An incredible play by the freakishly athletic Collins.
Jamie went up and got it.
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) November 7, 2021
๐บ: @NFLonCBS / Patriots app pic.twitter.com/aAASumQhK8The defense keeps setting the offense up for success. We’ll see if the offense can take advantage.
Q3, 6:55: A Pick-six for J.C. Jackson
The Panthers were threatening to close the gap on the Patriots, but disaster struck for Sam Darnold – and it’s the second straight week with a potential game-changing pick-six.
J.C. JACKSON WILL TAKE THAT 88 YARDS TO THE HOUSE! #ForeverNE
— NFL (@NFL) November 7, 2021
๐บ: #NEvsCARย on CBS
๐ฑ: NFL app pic.twitter.com/jpx2XlRZ0DJ.C. Jackson gets the touchdown this time, on a return of 88 (!) yards. It’s now 21-6 Patriots.
Q2, 0:24: Clutch touchdown for the Patriots before halftime
Mac Jones hits Hunter Henry with a pinpoint strike to the end zone, Nick Folk’s extra point is good, and the Patriots have a 14-6 lead with halftime approaching.
Mac Jones throws a strike to @Hunter_Henry84 for a @Patriots TD! #ForeverNE
— NFL (@NFL) November 7, 2021
๐บ: #NEvsCARย on CBS
๐ฑ: NFL app pic.twitter.com/tBhnk7ugM1Q2, 7:07: Gilmore picks off his former team
Stephon Gilmore has made his presence felt against his former team. On an attempted pick play over the middle, Gilmore handles the route and picks off a Mac Jones throw to get the ball back to Carolina. Gotta be just about the last thing Bill Belichick wanted to happen.
GILMORE PICKS OFF MAC JONES!!!
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) November 7, 2021
๐บ: CBS pic.twitter.com/q74N0fgvodQ2, 8:19: Patriots bounce back, take lead
It’s been a rough start for the Patriots offense, but Mac Jones & Co. just showed their trademark resilience. The Patriots are now in the lead after multiple big gains by Rhamondre Stevenson helped set up Damien Harris for the rushing touchdown. Harris now has a touchdown in five straight games, two shy of tying the franchise record.
Damien Harris has his 7th rushing TD of the year! @DHx34 #ForeverNE
— NFL (@NFL) November 7, 2021
๐บ: #NEvsCARย on CBS
๐ฑ: NFL app pic.twitter.com/qetiY3j4Jz.@dreeday32 for 41!
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) November 7, 2021
๐บ: @NFLonCBS / Patriots app pic.twitter.com/L9Fe4XnGwgRhamondre Stevenson running with authority ๐ค #ForeverNE
— NFL (@NFL) November 7, 2021
๐บ: #NEvsCARย on CBS
๐ฑ: NFL app pic.twitter.com/9IN9fPbKP9Q1, 0:30: Panthers strip-sack Jones, take over in Patriots territory
A big play by the Carolina defense. On third down, Mac Jones is blindsided by Brian Burns and loses the ball, and the Panthers recover. Isaiah Wynn got beat on the left edge.
Carolina takes over at the Patriots’ 33-yard line.
Burns takes down Mac Jones and Luvu recovers
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) November 7, 2021
๐บ: CBS pic.twitter.com/htMtFu50P2
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Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff and follow him on Instagram @mattydsays. You can also email him at mdolloff@985thesportshub.com.