{"id":91189,"date":"2021-11-05T03:13:14","date_gmt":"2021-11-05T03:13:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.clnsmedia.com\/?p=91189"},"modified":"2021-11-05T03:33:11","modified_gmt":"2021-11-05T03:33:11","slug":"patriots-game-plan-how-the-pats-avoid-the-panthers-pass-rush-taking-over-on-sunday","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.clnsmedia.com\/?p=91189","title":{"rendered":"Patriots Game Plan: How the Pats Avoid the Panthers’ Pass Rush Taking Over on Sunday"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Patriots put themselves in a legitimate position in the AFC playoff picture with their upset victory over the Los Angeles Chargers in impressive fashion on the road last week.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

By winning two-straight to climb back to .500 (4-4), New England\u2019s chances to make the playoffs improved dramatically and now sit at a favorable 57.3%, according to Football Outsiders.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Although the win in Los Angeles was a potential season-flipper, it\u2019ll mean nothing if the Pats don\u2019t take care of business in Carolina against a Panthers team that has lost four of its last five.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Panthers were flying high after a 2-0 start where they sat atop Football Outsiders\u2019 DVOA metric for the first time in team history, thanks to a defense that\u2019s still among the NFL\u2019s best.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

However, Carolina\u2019s offense tanked after star running back Christian McCaffrey (hamstring) went on injured reserve, averaging just 19.2 points in five games without McCaffrey.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This week, McCaffrey is back at practice as the Panthers begin his 21-day clock to return off injured reserve. He\u2019s expected to play again this season, but his status for Sunday’s game is uncertain.<\/span><\/p>\n

Along with McCaffrey, starting quarterback Sam Darnold\u2019s (concussion) status is iffy for Sunday\u2019s game as well, which means the Patriots will also need to prepare for backup quarterback P.J. Walker.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Although the injury uncertainties on offense add another layer, the real challenge comes on the other side of the ball with the Panthers defense, which ranks eighth in total DVOA, fourth in pressure rate and sacks, and has speed at all three levels.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Carolina head coach Matt Rhule brought longtime defensive coordinator Phil Snow with him from Baylor, and after hiring Brady to run the offense, is giving the Panthers a college-style feel.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

With having terrific team speed and versatility in their defensive personnel, Snow knows how to use a talented front seven to his advantage by building a very diverse scheme.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Over the last few offseasons, the Panthers added playmakers in pass-rushers Brian Burns (4.5 sacks) and Haason Reddick (7.5 sacks), hybrid safety Jeremy Chinn, and first-round defensive tackle Derrick Brown. Plus, under-the-radar signings like defensive end Morgan Fox.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Snow deploys an athletic group of defenders in several packages based on the situation and offensive personnel. Carolina will use both 3-4 and 4-3 base defenses, a 5-1 alignment, a 4-2-5 big nickel package, and a four-down dime grouping.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey have multiple players play different things just based on what they have called with Coach [Phil] Snow. [He] calls what group they\u2019re in, and then they have a couple different fronts to go with each group,\u201d Patriots head coach Bill Belichick said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThose seven guys can be in different positions, and then you have to decide whether you treat them as a down lineman or a linebacker.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n