On Thursday night, the New England Patriots faced off against the Carolina Panthers in a preseason game, marking a significant moment for both teams. The Patriots, under the leadership of their new coach Jerod Mayo, secured a 17-3 victory over the Panthers. This game also marked the first time in 24 years that the Patriots played without the legendary Bill Belichick as their coach.
Mayo, at 38 years old, became the youngest coach in the NFL when he took over the reins from Belichick earlier this year. The Patriots' third overall draft pick, Drake Maye, made his debut in the game, playing one series and receiving a warm welcome from the crowd. Despite some nerves, Maye completed two out of three passes for 19 yards.
Carolina also introduced a new coach, Dave Canales, who emphasized the importance of giving rookies and younger players a chance to showcase their skills on the field. The Panthers' top draft pick, Bryce Young, did not play in the game, and backup quarterback Andy Dalton was sidelined due to injury.
The game saw a mix of veteran players and newcomers making their mark. Patriots' quarterback Bailey Zappe impressed with 108 passing yards, while rookie Joe Milton III added excitement with a 38-yard touchdown pass. On the Panthers' side, Jack Plummer completed 11 passes for 86 yards, and Mike Boone showed promise with 34 rushing yards.
For Patriots fans, the absence of Belichick on the sideline was a noticeable change, but many were eager to see the team's performance under Mayo's leadership. The game ended with New England taking a 17-3 victory, setting the stage for an intriguing preseason for both teams.
Looking ahead, the Panthers will host the Jets in their next preseason game, while the Patriots are set to face the Eagles in their upcoming matchup. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how these teams continue to evolve under their new coaching staff and emerging talent.
