Best Of Social Media: Preseason Week 3 Patriots vs Panthers
Jim Dedmon - USA TODAY Sports
The New England Patriots entered Thursday nights preseason matchup with the Carolina Panthers for the final “dress rehearsal” before the opening of the 2018 regular season.
Before the game, it was reported that quarterback Tom Brady was expected to play “extensively” and into the second half.
Tom Brady is expected to play extensively in tonight's game vs the Panthers. It should give him more opportunity to get familiar with his WR corps.
The Patriots are returning a total of 633 rec yds from their WRs last season (Chris Hogan – 439, Phillip Dorsett – 194)
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) August 24, 2018
Colorful entrance for Bill Belichick. pic.twitter.com/odg1q6G5aV
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) August 24, 2018
One handed catching practice for @Edelman11 in #Carolina #WBZ pic.twitter.com/Qyc97bmm0P
— Chris Gobeille (@WBZPhotog) August 24, 2018
📹 Tom Brady chatting with Bill and Steve Belichick on the field after the #Patriots arrive for preseason game 3 vs Panthers – kickoff at 7:30pm on #WBZ pic.twitter.com/zKD6CCyRIN
— Joe Giza (@JoeGiza) August 24, 2018
I think @RochieWBZ needs a bigger chart! #Patriots #Panthers @985TheSportsHub pic.twitter.com/KRJvjyhLR1
— Matt Chatham (@chatham58) August 24, 2018
TB12 and the QB crew run out.
🏈 time!!!#Patriots pic.twitter.com/3SCGnS0L1d— The Camera Guys (@NBCSCameraGuys) August 24, 2018
📹 Julian @Edelman11 jumping for joy that preseason game 3 is tonight.#Patriots vs Panthers at 7:30pm on #WBZ pic.twitter.com/qAu9Fn7KCc
— Joe Giza (@JoeGiza) August 24, 2018
#Hydrate @scottzolak pic.twitter.com/GY1U2w2AcJ
— Joe Giza (@JoeGiza) August 24, 2018
In the first quarter, the Patriots offense struggled to find the red zone on their few drives, but the defense made big plays and held the Panthers to two Graham Gano field goals.
How could I forget Adam Butler. On the one hand, this is ridiculous hand strength and technique on the shoulder slap move. But again, they get aggressive with Butler's interior pressure combined with a LB/DE stunt and lose contain. #Patriots pic.twitter.com/BsCyt8Nysj
— Evan Lazar (@ezlazar) August 25, 2018
Stephon Gilmore with a nice pass breakup on the goal line covering DJ Moore on 3rd down #Patriots #NEvsCAR pic.twitter.com/wxLAqf4koi
— Casey Baker (@CaseyBake16) August 25, 2018
Get yourself a fullback who does it all. @James_Develin: Pro Bowl fullback & kick return specialist. #NEvsCAR pic.twitter.com/wq6Zed78Co
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) August 25, 2018
FUNCH is making moves!#KeepPounding pic.twitter.com/KSegcvwqZC
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) August 25, 2018
#Patriots film: Boy, this was great by Eric Rowe. pic.twitter.com/diBU35Wxfq
— Andrew Callahan (@_AndrewCallahan) August 25, 2018
After one, 6-0 Panthers.
In the second, wide receiver Julian Edelman showed of his recovery progress as he returned to his old ways of being clutch on third down.
https://twitter.com/Patriots/status/1033349640114950145
In what could be a sign of things to come in 2018, Brady connected with Phillp Dorsett following an audible at the line.
Phillip Dorsett getting involved early showing off his speed. Brady calling the audible for Dorsett and he makes the play pic.twitter.com/FZPZ9IcmbV
— PatriotsNation™ 2 (@Jordanems) August 25, 2018
https://twitter.com/CaseyBake16/status/1033150178965037056
The drive led to the Patriots first points of the game, a 27-yard field goal by Stephen Gostkowski.
Unfortunately despite Brady’s solid first half, the team was unable to get much going in the red zone and found themselves down a pair of field goals heading into halftime at 9-3.
Halftime:
New England: 3
Carolina: 9Tom Brady Stats:
Total: 12/18 (67%) 102ydsBy Down:
1st: 4/5 (80%) 40yds
2nd: 2/4 (50%) 14yds
3rd: 5/8 (63%) 42yds
4th: 1/1 (100%) 6yds— PatsFans.com (@PatsFans) August 25, 2018
It’s 9-3 here at halftime. I’ve got a full seat, but I really only need the edge.
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) August 25, 2018
Halftime 9-3 Panthers.
As the second half opened, things got a little weird for returner Cyrus Jones, who’s jersey looked like some Spider-Man webbing.
The never ending jersey: the Cyrus Jones story. pic.twitter.com/vMJqi81lYV
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) August 25, 2018
Bubble gum shirt. pic.twitter.com/wx1pXZHqYX
— Michael Hurley (@michaelFhurley) August 25, 2018
The Panthers meanwhile, extended their lead to eleven following a 7 play 50 yard drive capped off by a Taylor Heinicke one yard run.
15-3 Panthers with 9:09 remaining in the third.
Heinicke to the pylon!#KeepPounding pic.twitter.com/qRDdtzTMFe
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) August 25, 2018
Gano would tack on a 47 yard field goal to up the score to 18-3 after three. The Patriots offense remained silent.
In the fourth, the Panthers broke it open when backup quarterback Garrett Gilbert found Mose Frazier for a six yard touchdown. 25-3 Panthers.
https://twitter.com/DuaneLively/status/1033171187403304961
With just three minutes remaining in the game, the Patriots delt with another injury situation as running back Jeremy Hill limped off the field following this play.
Hill appeared to be okay in the locker room after the game.
Noooooo 🙁 Jeremy Hill limping off the field after he was brought down with a horse collar tackle. I hope he is ok. I’ve been rooting for him to make the roster ever since the #Patriots signed him this spring pic.twitter.com/usmvBW0t3B
— Casey Baker (@CaseyBake16) August 25, 2018
Here’s the Jeremy Hill injury. He underwent ankle surgery in the offseason. pic.twitter.com/KCiCmfIGmv
— Zack Cox (@ZackCoxNESN) August 25, 2018
Jeremy Hill, who was shaken up late in the game, said he’s “good.” Didn’t appear to be limping in the locker room.
— Kevin Duffy (@KevinRDuffy) August 25, 2018
With the game winding down, the Patriots finally found the end zone on a Mike Gillislee two yard run, he would then convert the two point conversion.
25-14 Panthers and that would be how it would end.
The Patriots conclude the 2018 preseason with a trip to the Meadowlands to take on the New York Giants next Thursday night at 7pm.
Score a TD.
Hand the ball to your O-Lineman.
Spike the ball.@mikescogilly | @Jason72King | #NEvsCAR pic.twitter.com/5twwhx9cQG— New England Patriots (@Patriots) August 25, 2018
Tom Brady to Luke Kuechly: “You did great out there!”
💪💪💪 pic.twitter.com/tHT8cahed0
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) August 25, 2018
Everybody loves Pep pic.twitter.com/teVlsf3dVa
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) August 25, 2018
Gronk tries to leave the podium after 1 question. I love this man #Patriots pic.twitter.com/0DTbKN4CbU
— Casey Baker (@CaseyBake16) August 25, 2018
Belichick: We weren't able to accomplish much tonight. We didn't really play well in all 3 phases of the game.
Reporter: What were some specific things you thought you did well tonight?
Belichick: pic.twitter.com/qDLt6Q517d
— Casey Baker (@CaseyBake16) August 25, 2018
Posted Under: Patriots Twitter
Tags: Adam Butler Chris Hogan Cyrus Jones Eric Rowe Jeremy Hill Julian Edelman Lawrence Guy Mike Gillislee Patrick Chung Phillip Dorsett Ralph Webb Stephen Gostkowski Stephon Gillmore Tom Brady
