The Patriots welcome the Carolina Panthers on Sunday in a matchup that feels like a must-win for New England.
New England currently has a 1-2 record. If the team loses to a Carolina squad that is considered less talented, there could be significant unrest in Foxborough.
Boston Sports Journal Patriots writer Greg A. Bedard believes that winning Sunday’s game is critical for New England.
“It’s absolutely critical,” Bedard said Thursday, via Patriots on CLNS. “If you don’t want the noise, then they have to win this game.”
The Patriots disappointed their home crowd last week, losing 21-14 to the Pittsburgh Steelers in a game they should have easily won. New England committed five turnovers, including two in the red zone.
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New England has lost all of its home games this season, and it cannot afford to start the year with three consecutive losses on its own turf.
The Panthers are one of the more manageable opponents the Patriots will face this season. They really need to come away with a win if New England is serious about making the playoffs.
