Dear New England, Thank You

[Jeremy Igo]

Sometimes being on the field of an NFL game provides a unique perspective, especially when it comes to the tone of a game. Along the sidelines you soak in all of the atmosphere. It is the difference between watching a concert on television or watching it from the first row of the venue. I think you will agree they are two completely different experiences.

 

It was clear from the moment introductions were made, this was a regular season game for the New England Patriots.

 

The stadium was full. The fans were loud. The Patriots were prepared and eager to punch the Panthers in the mouth. Retribution was in order for a game last season they feel they should have won.

 

"Is this a regular season game?" I asked Kelli Bartik mid way through the first quarter. "Sure feels like it" she replied. It wasn't just my imagination.

 

Sadly, no one informed the Carolina Panthers that this game mattered, and it showed.

 

I have frequently remarked this season that I felt the Panthers were off to another slow start due to the lack of urgency in their training camp practices. Losing early in the season has been a hallmark of the Rivera era. Rivera has never won the first game of the season and has only won the second game of a season a one time (2012 against a New Orleans Saints team missing a head coach).

 

''There was no consistency in the way we played,'' Ron Rivera remarked after the game ''It's something that has to be corrected and has to be fixed now.'' This quote is reminiscent of something we have historically heard from Rivera in September. The good news? It is only August, and in two weeks the standings are reset.

 

After the game, New England Coach Bill Belichick denied game planning for this game. ''There's no game plan,'' Belichick said. ''We can't game plan for 90 guys. We can barely get it right when we have 46. That's just not what this game is.''

 

With all due respect to Bill, I am not buying it. Historically, all NFL teams do at least minimal game plan for the third preseason game, especially on a full week's rest from the previous preseason game (as the Patriots had for this game). Game planning is not something only for the players, but also the coaches. It is an exercise in execution as well as communication. It is a dress rehearsal for all involved. The probability Bill Belichick skipped this important aspect of preseason against an opponent that beat him last seson? Zero.

 

Want to make a loss sting a little more to your opponent? Tell them you weren't even trying. Classic Belichick.

 

I believe this game against the Patriots may serve as the reminder of what regular season play feels like. We will find out in two weeks in Tampa Bay, a game that actually matters.

 

If Ron Rivera can win the first season opener of his head coaching career, you may find yourself thanking the New England Patriots.

 

 

[DaveThePanther2008]

I thought that too.   One comment I heard and I am sure you can verify.  Cam wasn't calling audibles, was he?.

 

I also felt Cam was restricting himself and even when he ran he was hesitant.

[Jeremy Igo]

In a game that doesn't matter to you, when it is 3rd and short, do you run a QB sneak risking injury to your aging franchise QB or do you let your fullback get some practice at short yardage?

 

Bill's answer.....

 

[Cortez Elwood]

Looked like Pats were amped up for this one. They wanted it more than Carolina. Reality check for Panthers.

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[faultlessjoint]

Also, did anyone else feel like they were really trying to prove a point by throwing to Lafell so often?  I feel like they were going out of their way trying to get him catches often forcing the ball into coverage.

[Jeremy Igo]

Also, did anyone else feel like they were really trying to prove a point by throwing to Lafell so often?  I feel like they were going out of their way trying to get him catches often forcing the ball into coverage.

 

It did feel that way.

[DaveThePanther2008]

Also, did anyone else feel like they were really trying to prove a point by throwing to Lafell so often?  I feel like they were going out of their way trying to get him catches often forcing the ball into coverage.

 

See now, I thought it was only me.  They threw to him right away and often. 

[DecrypticShadow]

Chandler Jones definitely looked as if he had something to prove.... and Byron Bell was a sorry excuse of a match for him. 

[Jmac]

Patriots being the Patriots and not surprised. Belichick isn't fooling anyone with hs bull crap post game comments and mind games.Lafell still Lafell. And to the Patriots troll lurking the Huddle spouting off his mouth,you play in one of the weakest divisions so I wouldn't be opening your pie hole. Panthers where not ready for this game,period.

[PanthersAlv]

Pretty much what I figured from watching at home.

Reps for cam and the WR's. Along with eval of the line.

Pulling starters on defense...

Brady left and came back a series later...

Sure they were looking to run up a score.

I hope the team doesn't get all mopey and feel bad for itself.

Man up. Grind it out and be ready for the season.

As Jeremy said. Pulling out a win in the opener can be credited to the game last night she it happens.

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[Dex]

At the end of the day I take home their womenz and do filthy things. We also won the last game that mattered. We will be fine come week 1.

[lola]

Great perspective.

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[Squirrel]

Seen you say it before and always thought it.  A bad loss in the preseason is a good thing.

[DecrypticShadow]

At the end of the day I take home their womenz and do filthy things. We also won the last game that mattered. We will be fine come week 1.

 

Nice... You went back home with more than one??