New England Patriots at Carolina Panthers Preview

By John Onan | Saturday, September 17, 2005 | ( 0 )

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In a rematch of Super Bowl XXVIII, the defending champion New England Patriots pay a visit to the Carolina Panthers. Since that matchup, the Patriots have continued to establish themselves as a modern-day dynasty, while the Panthers battled injuries last year, but hopes are high for a return to the big game after a one year absence. Kickoff is set 1 PM EST.

The New England Patriots are led on offense by quarterback Tom Brady, who picked up where he left off in 2004, tossing for 306 yards on 24-of-38 passing with two touchdowns in their opening night 30-20 win over the Oakland Raiders. Unfortunately for Carolina, if they focus on Brady and the passing game, New England is just as strong on the ground with Pro Bowl running back Corey Dillon.

The Carolina Panthers are looking to avoid going 0-2 after being upset at home by an emotionally charged New Orleans Saints team. The Saints jumped on Carolina early on, but the Panther were able to make a comeback behind the running of tailbacks Stephen Davis and DeShaun Foster. The duo combined for 122 yards on 22 carries along with a Davis touchdown plunge. Quarterback Jake Delhomme, who many expect to have a big season, was shaky as he threw two key interceptions as he finished 19-of-31 for 212 yards and a touchdown.

Head coach John Fox will look for a better effort out of his defense, but the road becomes tougher against the best team in football. Add in the fact that the team lost All-Pro defensive tackle Kris Jenkins for the season due to a torn ACL suffered in last weeks loss and their plight becomes even more pronounced.

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