The New England Patriots made a statement in Week 4 with a 42-13 blowout victory over the Carolina Panthers, and it appears to be a result that the rest of the league has taken note of heading into Week 5.
After falling behind 6-0 early in the game, the Pats rattled off 42 unanswered points before the Panthers scored a touchdown late in the fourth quarter. Considering how sloppy New England played in their Week 4 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, it was encouraging to see such a ruthlessly efficient performance from them this time around.
The Patriots were viewed as a team that could make a big jump in 2025, and they may be in the process of doing so. The folks at Bleacher Report seem to believe so, as they had New England jump up six spots in their Week 5 power rankings, moving from No. 25 to No. 19.
“Offensively, Pats quarterback Drake Maye attempted just 17 passes and only three fell incomplete,” Gary Davenport wrote when explaining the Pats’ big move. “He threw two touchdown passes without a turnover, scored on the ground and posted a beefy passer rating of 155.7.”
“Defensively … after surrendering a touchdown on the game’s first drive, New England didn’t give up any more points until the game was well out of hand. It’s a win that gives the Patriots some positive momentum. They’ll need it in Week 5, with a trip to the undefeated Bills next up on the schedule.”
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There’s no doubt New England looked strong against Carolina, but it remains to be seen whether or not that will hold up against stiffer competition. The Patriots will have a great measuring stick game in Week 5 when they square off against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday Night Football.
