After securing victories in their first two preseason contests, the New England Patriots traveled down to Charlotte, North Carolina to take on the Panthers in game three of the 2018 preseason. Dating back to 2005, Carolina has taken three of four from New England. The Patriots’ struggles against Cam Newton and company continued on Friday night.
Panther Problems
The Patriots kicked off to begin the game, and the Panthers wasted no time in jumping out to an early lead. Sophomore running back Christian McCaffrey (12 rush, 48 yards) was finding holes in the defense all night long, and paced the Carolina offense into the red zone. At the goal line, the Patriots defense did their best “bend don’t break” impression. Cornerback Stephon Gilmore made a great play to break up a pass on a short third and goal. Carolina was then charged with a false start to set up one of Graham Gano’s four field goals of the evening.
Tom Brady’s first drive of the game did not last long. The Panther defense forced a three and out after dropping James White just before the first down marker. Cam Newton (11-17, 142 yards) took the field and marched again, completing two consecutive throws for 56 total yards. Linebacker Kyle Van Noy made a nice play to chase down a scrambling Newton to force another field goal. Gano put the Panthers up 6-0 to end the first quarter.

In the second quarter, Brady (12-18, 102 yards) and the offense started to gel. Brady found Edelman, Dorsett, Patterson, and Hogan for completions to take New England into the red zone. LaAdrian Waddle drew an obvious personal foul on the doorstep of the endzone to quickly erase the momentum, however. The Patriots settled for a 27-yard field goal to make it 6-3.
Brady’s Circle of Trust
You’ll be hard-pressed to find someone who benefitted more in the loss than Philip Dorsett. Tom Brady’s notorious “circle of trust” that has victimized countless receivers over the years has serious vacancy with Kenny Britt’s recent release and Edelman’s looming four-game suspension. Dorsett caught all four of his targets for 36 yards on Friday night, including a critical fourth down conversion in the second quarter. A target on fourth down in Tom Brady’s offense is telling enough. But a catch, and a nice one at that, will go a long way for Dorsett in trying to infiltrate the starting offense.
-
Ep 38: Tyreek Hill Traded To The Dolphins
by Full Press Coverage on March 24, 2022 at 12:10 am

Stephen Gostkowski’s first miss of the preseason came on a 46-yard attempt in the second quarter. Carolina extended their lead after Gano converted on a 23-yard chip shot as the half expired.
Tom Brady’s night was finished after the first half, but Eric Decker’s night was just beginning. A recent addition to the volatile New England receiving corps, Decker did not see a single snap with Tom Brady under center. Hoyer aired it out for the new Patriot, but Decker clearly was not on the same page as he stopped far short of the intended throw. His woes continued with a false start later that series, and is clearly on the outside-looking-in of Brady’s circle of trust.
The Panthers added a touchdown and a field goal to cap off a quiet third quarter from the Patriots. Jason McCourty did his best impression of his brother and lined up at safety as a natural cornerback. After allowing a big gain across the middle, the former Brown and Titan responded with a nice tackle after a Panther back found the edge in the red zone. It was McCourty’s first ever time playing safety.
Down 25-3 in the final quarter, the Patriots finally added to their scoring on a Stephen Gostkowski 52-yard field goal.
Injury Scare
The Patriots encountered a scare on their last possession of the contest. Jeremy Hill bounced a carry outside for a solid gain but was brought down with a vicious horsecollar tackle. New England’s promising new running back left the game with an apparent ankle injury after a defender fell directly on Hill’s ankle. He quickly returned to the sidelines and said it wasn’t anything serious after the game.

Impressions
Mike Gillislee put a bow on the scoring with the Patriots’ only touchdown of the evening.
Gillislee and Hill had their flashes in this one, and the defense clearly still has room to improve. The offense’s performance on third down was strong, with both Brady and Hoyer converting multiple times in key spots. But the main takeaway from this one is the development of Tom Brady’s arsenal of receivers. Decker still has a long way to go, but both Dorsett and Cordarrelle Patterson (5 catches, 37 yards) showed promise as contributors once the season commences.
The Patriots will wrap up the preseason this Thursday at 7pm in a date with the beloved New York Giants.
-Ethan Roy is a Staff Writer and covers the New England Patriots for Full Press Coverage Sports Media. Follow him on Twitter @ethan_roy1
-
Ep 115: Gil Brandt Joins The Show To Remember Cowboys RB Don Perkinsby Full Press Coverage on June 22, 2022 at 3:46 pm
Pro Football Hall of Famer Gil Brandt joins Clark and Ira to discuss the […]
-
Ep 114: Former Bengals QB Ken Anderson Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on June 15, 2022 at 5:12 pm
Former Bengals quarterback and NFL MVP, Ken Anderson, joins Clark and Ira […]
-
Ep 113: HOF Voter Barry Wilner Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on June 10, 2022 at 6:04 pm
For AP chief correspondent and current Pro Football Hall of Fame voter, […]
-
Ep 112: Colts Owner Jim Irsay Joins To Talk "The Jim Irsay Collection"by Full Press Coverage on May 31, 2022 at 3:05 pm
Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay returns to the show to talk with Calrk […]
-
Ep 111: Joe Horrigan Returns To Remember Vietnam Veteran And Former Bills OT Bob Kalsuby Full Press Coverage on May 25, 2022 at 9:25 pm
As we approach Memorial Day, Joe Horrigan returns to the show to talk to […]
-
Ep 110: New Playoff Teams In 2022; Best Matchups On NFL Scehduleby Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 3:42 am
Clark, Ira, and Ian give their four teams that didn't make the NFL […]
-
Ep 109: Hall of Fame Voter Ed Bouchette Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on May 12, 2022 at 6:28 pm
Long time Steelers writer and current Hall of Fame voter, Ed Bouchette […]
-
Ep 108: Hall of Famer Bryant Young Returns To The Showby Full Press Coverage on May 6, 2022 at 1:45 am
Pro Football Hall of Famer Bryant Young returns to the show to talk with […]
-
Ep 115: Gil Brandt Joins The Show To Remember Cowboys RB Don Perkinsby Full Press Coverage on June 22, 2022 at 3:46 pm
Pro Football Hall of Famer Gil Brandt joins Clark and Ira to discuss the […]
-
Ep 114: Former Bengals QB Ken Anderson Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on June 15, 2022 at 5:12 pm
Former Bengals quarterback and NFL MVP, Ken Anderson, joins Clark and Ira […]
-
Ep 113: HOF Voter Barry Wilner Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on June 10, 2022 at 6:04 pm
For AP chief correspondent and current Pro Football Hall of Fame voter, […]
-
Ep 112: Colts Owner Jim Irsay Joins To Talk "The Jim Irsay Collection"by Full Press Coverage on May 31, 2022 at 3:05 pm
Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay returns to the show to talk with Calrk […]
-
Ep 111: Joe Horrigan Returns To Remember Vietnam Veteran And Former Bills OT Bob Kalsuby Full Press Coverage on May 25, 2022 at 9:25 pm
As we approach Memorial Day, Joe Horrigan returns to the show to talk to […]
-
Ep 110: New Playoff Teams In 2022; Best Matchups On NFL Scehduleby Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 3:42 am
Clark, Ira, and Ian give their four teams that didn't make the NFL […]
-
Ep 109: Hall of Fame Voter Ed Bouchette Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on May 12, 2022 at 6:28 pm
Long time Steelers writer and current Hall of Fame voter, Ed Bouchette […]
-
Ep 108: Hall of Famer Bryant Young Returns To The Showby Full Press Coverage on May 6, 2022 at 1:45 am
Pro Football Hall of Famer Bryant Young returns to the show to talk with […]
-
Ep 234: Madman Trade Showby Full Press Coverage on June 23, 2022 at 9:36 pm
-
Ep 233: Rookie Draft Roundupby Full Press Coverage on June 9, 2022 at 2:59 am
-
Ep 232: Philosophy of Fantasy Footballby Full Press Coverage on June 3, 2022 at 10:32 pm
-
Ep 231: Sons of Dynasty Draftsby Full Press Coverage on May 19, 2022 at 9:28 pm
-
5/11 - Patriots Depth Chart, Contract Issues, Smoked Meat, and Ernie Adams With Matt Chathamby Full Press Coverage on May 11, 2021 at 7:54 pm
Matt Chatham joins Steve, Murph, and Clare to talk Patriots depth chart, […]
-
5/4 - Good, Bad, and Ugly From NFL Draft With Evan Lazarby Full Press Coverage on May 4, 2021 at 7:39 pm
Evan Lazar of CLNS Media joins Steve, Murph, and Claire to recap the […]
-
6/24 - WSOP; NBA Finals Talk; Stanley Cup Coming To An End; NBA Draftby Full Press Coverage on June 24, 2022 at 2:15 pm
Ian and John are back to discuss the World Series of Poker, the NBA Finals […]
-
6/15 - Celtics Falter In San Fran, Can They Force A Game 7?by Full Press Coverage on June 15, 2022 at 4:23 pm
Ian and John discuss the Celtics loss in Game 5 and what they have to do […]
-
6/13 - Goodfellas; Celtics/Warriors, Stanley Cup Finalby Full Press Coverage on June 13, 2022 at 4:46 pm
Ian and John discuss the Celtics loss in Game 4 and look ahead to Game 5 […]
-
Are The Celtics In The Heads Of The Warriors?by Full Press Coverage on June 10, 2022 at 5:50 pm
Ian and John discuss the Celtics Game Two win as well as if they are […]
-
6/10 - Jason Alexander; Tom Brady; Celtics/Warriorsby Full Press Coverage on June 10, 2022 at 2:24 pm
Ian and John discuss the Tom Brady non answer, Jason Alexander's weekend, […]
-
6/6 - Josh Allen Overhyped? Celtics/Warriors Game Twoby Full Press Coverage on June 6, 2022 at 2:46 pm
Ian and John discuss whether or not Josh Allen is being overhyped and they […]
-
6/3 - Celtics Take Game One From Golden Stateby Full Press Coverage on June 3, 2022 at 10:46 pm
Ian and John discuss the Celtics big win over the Warriors in game one of […]
-
5/27 - RIP Ray Liotta; Golden State Advances; Celtics On The Vergeby Full Press Coverage on May 27, 2022 at 7:00 pm
Ian and John discuss the passing of actor Ray Liotta, the Warriors Game 5 […]
-
Ep 38: Tyreek Hill Traded To The Dolphinsby Full Press Coverage on March 24, 2022 at 12:10 am
Ian and Braden react to the trade of Tyreek Hill from the Chiefs to the […]
-
Ep 37: Matt Ryan Traded To The Colts; Jameis Returns To NOLA; Mariota to ATLby Full Press Coverage on March 23, 2022 at 6:00 pm
Ian and Braden react to the trade of Matt Ryan to the Indianapolis Colts […]
-
Talkamania Episode 227by Talkamania on June 12, 2022 at 3:27 am
-
Talkamania Episode 228by Talkamania on June 12, 2022 at 3:04 am
-
Boot 2 The Face Episode 186 "Cody Did What?"by Boot 2 The Face on June 13, 2022 at 12:21 am
Boys are back talking WWE HIAC, and the crazy effort put forth by Cody […]
-
Boot 2 The Face Episode 184 "Sasha and Naomi"by Boot 2 The Face on May 26, 2022 at 1:01 am
Marty and Rucker are back talking about the hottest topic in wrestling, […]
-
6/24 - WSOP; NBA Finals Talk; Stanley Cup Coming To An End; NBA Draftby Full Press Coverage on June 24, 2022 at 2:15 pm
-
Ep 234: Madman Trade Showby Full Press Coverage on June 23, 2022 at 9:36 pm
-
Ep. 4: Staying In The Southeastby Full Press Coverage on June 22, 2022 at 9:13 pm
-
Ep 115: Gil Brandt Joins The Show To Remember Cowboys RB Don Perkinsby Full Press Coverage on June 22, 2022 at 3:46 pm
-
Ep. 42: What Is Going On?by Full Press Coverage on June 21, 2022 at 5:00 am
-
Ep. 29: Giants True or False w/ Nate Talks Footballby Full Press Coverage on June 20, 2022 at 11:00 am
-
Ep 118: Yoshihiro Tajiriby Full Press Coverage on June 18, 2022 at 2:00 pm
-
Ep 135: Packers Fan Series with Brandon Hallby Full Press Coverage on June 17, 2022 at 10:02 pm
-
EP 190 - With Warriors Title Win Is Curry Now a Top 10 All Time Player?by Full Press Coverage on June 17, 2022 at 9:42 pm
-
Ep.3: The Cincinnati Bearcats In Focusby Full Press Coverage on June 15, 2022 at 10:26 pm
-
6/24 - WSOP; NBA Finals Talk; Stanley Cup Coming To An End; NBA Draftby Full Press Coverage on June 24, 2022 at 2:15 pm
-
6/15 - Celtics Falter In San Fran, Can They Force A Game 7?by Full Press Coverage on June 15, 2022 at 4:23 pm
-
6/13 - Goodfellas; Celtics/Warriors, Stanley Cup Finalby Full Press Coverage on June 13, 2022 at 4:46 pm
-
Are The Celtics In The Heads Of The Warriors?by Full Press Coverage on June 10, 2022 at 5:50 pm
-
6/10 - Jason Alexander; Tom Brady; Celtics/Warriorsby Full Press Coverage on June 10, 2022 at 2:24 pm
-
6/6 - Josh Allen Overhyped? Celtics/Warriors Game Twoby Full Press Coverage on June 6, 2022 at 2:46 pm
-
6/3 - Celtics Take Game One From Golden Stateby Full Press Coverage on June 3, 2022 at 10:46 pm
-
5/27 - RIP Ray Liotta; Golden State Advances; Celtics On The Vergeby Full Press Coverage on May 27, 2022 at 7:00 pm
-
5/25 - Texas Tragedy; Celtics/Heat Game Fiveby Full Press Coverage on May 25, 2022 at 7:21 pm
-
Which Athlete Do You Want To See Roasted?by Full Press Coverage on May 24, 2022 at 2:40 pm