Best Of Social Media: Preseason Week 2 Panthers vs Patriots

The New England Patriots concluded a physical week with the Carolina Panthers with their final preseason game at Gillette Stadium.

For the first time this summer, quarterback Mac Jones was back under center for the first three drives of the night. He finished 4 of 8 passing for 61 yards, had a 7-yard scramble, but was sacked once. The most notable moment came on Jones’ final drive when he completed a 45-yard pass to Nelson Agholor that set up a Ty Montgomery rushing touchdown.

Backup Brian Hoyer saw action on one drive, completing 2 of 3 passes before handing the position off to rookie Bailey Zappe for the remainder of the game. Zappe completed 16 of 25 for 173 yards but allowed an interception return for a touchdown.

On defense, Deatrich Wise Jr. and Josh Uche each recorded a sack on Panthers quarterback PJ Walker early in the contest, while safety Joshuah Bledsoe forced and recovered a fumble. Additionally, cornerbacks Shaun Wade and Brenden Schooler each recorded interceptions.

With the clock winding down in the fourth quarter, Sam Roberts also recovered a fumble in the end zone for a touchdown.

The star on this night was wide receiver Lil’Jordan Humphrey who nabbed five receptions for 71 yards and downed a punt inside the Panthers’ three-yard line.

“He’s coming off an injury last year, but he’s come in, really worked hard, and made a very positive impression here,” Bill Belichick said about Humphrey after the game. “We’re glad we have him.”

You can check out the best social media moments from the Patriots’ 20-10 win below.

Fired up.@bhoyer7 | @MacJones_10 pic.twitter.com/YvY2QHUFLq

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) August 19, 2022

https://twitter.com/McCourtyTwins/status/1561053638407110657?s=20&t=Cx9VUigQTC7EIY6_fydNVw

https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1560769142285733888?s=20&t=Cx9VUigQTC7EIY6_fydNVw

https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1560769661305643008?s=20&t=Cx9VUigQTC7EIY6_fydNVw

https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1560771718750224384?s=20&t=Cx9VUigQTC7EIY6_fydNVw

https://twitter.com/Patriots/status/1560777033290059776?s=20&t=Cx9VUigQTC7EIY6_fydNVw

Mac to Nelly. Deep ball.

Something that started on the practice fields in Tampa in the spring … shows up here tonight.

Agholor has looked like a different player in camp this year.

— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) August 19, 2022

Down in the red zone, Mac Jones shows off his underrated wheels when coverage takes away his first read and parts the middle of the field.

Two plays later, Patriots cave in the left side of the Panthers' DL and Montgomery shows patience getting into the end zone. pic.twitter.com/taSsq8iyW4

— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) August 20, 2022

https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1560776022437478400?s=20&t=Cx9VUigQTC7EIY6_fydNVw

Ty Montgomery pointed out his touchdown tonight was his first in any game since 2018.

“I don’t care that it’s the preseason, I’m just happy to be getting opportunities”

— Alex Barth (@RealAlexBarth) August 20, 2022

Mac Jones played three series and finished 4-of-8 for 61 yards, leading one TD drive.

His two throws to Nelson Agholor were critical — a 7-yarder to convert the team's first third down of the night, then a 45-yarder.

After two 3-and-outs, Jones' night ends on a high note.

— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) August 20, 2022

https://twitter.com/Jonathan_Jones2/status/1560818847413927936?s=20&t=Cx9VUigQTC7EIY6_fydNVw

It's the preseason, but Bill Belichick will still reach down into his sock and throw the challenge flag.

His toss looks to be in midseason form.

— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) August 20, 2022

https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1560783359139164161?s=20&t=Cx9VUigQTC7EIY6_fydNVw

https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1560786052381454336?s=20&t=Cx9VUigQTC7EIY6_fydNVw

https://twitter.com/Patriots/status/1560791570814799872?s=20&t=Cx9VUigQTC7EIY6_fydNVw

https://twitter.com/Patriots/status/1560794242838134784?s=20&t=Cx9VUigQTC7EIY6_fydNVw

https://twitter.com/Patriots/status/1560806568312160258?s=20&t=Cx9VUigQTC7EIY6_fydNVw

This will be in every team’s Special Team meeting this coming week

“You guys want to know how to make the team?? When you guys are like ‘oh, coach what do you want me to do i’m getting doubled.’ Watch 83 here. You think he complains??” pic.twitter.com/vbQzXyhSiG

— Will Compton (@_willcompton) August 20, 2022

Slate watching the special teams last night like… pic.twitter.com/qetlaqliO6

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) August 21, 2022

https://twitter.com/FTBeard7/status/1560807921696382977?s=20&t=Cx9VUigQTC7EIY6_fydNVw

https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1560811533424218112?s=20&t=Cx9VUigQTC7EIY6_fydNVw

https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1560816700739555330?s=20&t=Cx9VUigQTC7EIY6_fydNVw

Bill Belichick cracks a big smile when asked about Lil'Jordan Humphrey:

"He's made some plays for us since he's been here. A big kid who's tough, he has some hands…He's tight end-ish…he's a big target, he gets yards after the catch. He did a decent job blocking."

— Alex Barth (@RealAlexBarth) August 20, 2022

https://twitter.com/MackWilSr/status/1560825020980625408?s=20&t=Cx9VUigQTC7EIY6_fydNVw

https://twitter.com/MackWilSr/status/1561029222776324099?s=20&t=Cx9VUigQTC7EIY6_fydNVw

“Any opportunity you get to go out there and play the game that we love so much, you got to be thankful.”

Patriots players on the first win of the preseason. pic.twitter.com/178MxG0ZGJ

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) August 20, 2022