Tag Archives: Cam Newton

Patriots Lose In Third Preseason Game

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While some players looked good, the Panthers cruised by the Patriots for a 25-14 win during the third week of preseason.

The Carolina Panthers were in control throughout the entire game, on both sides of the ball. Luke Kuechly recorded 7 tackles in the first half alone, helping to limit the somewhat Patriot offense to 3 first half points. Cam Newton looked solid completing 11 for 17 passes and throwing for 142 yards. Garrett Gilbert completed 5 for 9 passes for a mere 46 yards and a touchdown.

Tom Brady looked like his usual midseason form completing 12 for 18 passes and 102 yards. Brian Hoyer completed 16 for 24 passes and 109 yards. The run game did not look stunning. Mike Gillislee had 10 rushing attempts for 35 yards with a long of 15.Jeremy Hill didn’t shine tonight rushing for 9 attempts with only 25 yards to show for it. His longest run was 7 yards.

Riley McCarron showed up to play tonight, catching 4 of his 5 targets, hauling in 49 receiving yards. Devin Lucien missed his only target of the contest, recording no stats tonight. With the depleting wide receiver core getting smaller, there is little room for mistakes in making the final roster.

Although the game didn’t end in a victory The team held in there. After the game, head coach Bill Belichick was his usual self after a loss, quiet, focused on the practices and game ahead, while also congratulating Coach Rivera and company on a game well played.

Jason McCourty got some reps in at safety during the game. After expressing his interest in playing the position last year as a member of the Cleveland Browns. The new Patriot and twin brother of longtime team member Devin McCourty should be a dangerous conerback/safety mix this season.

How these performances will translate towards final cuts will soon be determined. Keep it here on Bostonsportsextra.com for all your latest patriots news and rumors before the season starts!

“Keep Pounding”: Explaining the Carolina Panthers Early Success

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“Keep Pounding,” a phrase all Carolina Panthers fans say when cheering on their hometown team. This phrase has been shouted quite often in the early going of 2017. Carolina currently holds a 4-2 record (1st in NFC South), and do not appear to be slowing down. Here are some reasons for the Panthers early success.  A few may surprise you.

On the Road Again, Winning away from Carolina

Playing on the road has benefited the Panthers heavily thus far this season. They are currently 3-0 playing away from Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. The San Francisco 49ers, New England Patriots, and Detroit Lions have fallen victim to Carolina’s road success.  

As of right now, the Panthers average just under 28 points per game on the road. This number looks much better than the 15 points they average at home. Most teams in the NFL find their success on their home field, but the Panthers have flipped the script this year. Although this has been key in the early going, Carolina will look to improve their home record (1-2) in the second half of the season.

Where is SuperCam?

Quarterback Cam Newton has been under-performing early on in the 2017 season. Luckily, this has not affected the team too much. Carolina very well could be undefeated right now if Newton improved his efficiency. In their two losses, he has one passing touchdown, two rushing, and six interceptions along with an ugly 57% completion percentage.

If Newton’s play picks up in the second half of the season, more dabs and Superman poses could be on the horizon. The defense has been able to pick up his slack thus far holding opponents to 20 points per game. As the quarterback, he will need to lead this team if they want to be competitive come playoffs in January.

Young Guns Making Noise

The emergence of wide receiver Devin Funchess and Running Back Christian McCaffrey has been fun to witness. Funchess, in his third season, leads the Panthers receivers with three touchdowns so far.   He is a 6’4”, 225 pound receiver with elite speed and jumping ability. Some of his catches this year have left fans with their jaws on the floor. Carolina very much needed Funchess to breakout this season and that is exactly what he has done.

When the Panthers drafted Run CMC out of Stanford with the eighth overall pick in the draft, fans immediately set high expectations. Although Jonathan Stewart has been solid in the backfield in the past, Carolina was ready for a new weapon.

Christian McCaffrey has great catching and running abilities which make him a dual threat back like Dion Lewis or James White. So far, CMC has posted 397 all-purpose yards and two receptions touchdowns. For a rookie, his effective production is a positive sign of things to come in the Panthers future.

Closing Thoughts

Through the first six games of 2017, Carolina has enjoyed early success. Their record puts them up with the likes of New England, the Kansas City Chiefs, among others. If Cam Newton can return to his Superman ways, watch out for this team in the second half of 2017.

Funchess and McCaffrey have proven to be solid youngsters for the Panthers and their production has been key. What the team has been able to do on the road has been a pleasant surprise. Carolina must tighten up their play in Charlotte if they want to continue their early success.