Best Of Social Media: Preseason Week 3 Patriots vs Panthers

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

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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

https://twitter.com/JoeGiza/status/1033095299357712390

I think @RochieWBZ needs a bigger chart! #Patriots #Panthers @985TheSportsHub pic.twitter.com/KRJvjyhLR1

— Matt Chatham (@chatham58) August 24, 2018

https://twitter.com/NBCSCameraGuys/status/1033125636980858880

https://twitter.com/JoeGiza/status/1033126652123996162

#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

https://twitter.com/CaseyBake16/status/1033142399277703168

https://twitter.com/Patriots/status/1033143599678947329

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.

https://twitter.com/PatsNationTM/status/1033149294444990465

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: 9

Tom Brady Stats:
Total: 12/18 (67%) 102yds

By 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.

https://twitter.com/CaseyBake16/status/1033177322801770496

Here’s the Jeremy Hill injury. He underwent ankle surgery in the offseason. pic.twitter.com/KCiCmfIGmv

— Zack Cox (@zm_cox) 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.

https://twitter.com/Patriots/status/1033177303352664064