This time, Sam Darnold didn’t see ghosts. He saw monsters.
The Patriots, winners of three in a row and four of five after Sunday’s 24-6 win over the Panthers, continued with a formula that has become familiar: a vicious defense, a similarly vicious running game, and a few well-timed completions from rookie quarterback Mac Jones.
The Patriots defense tormented Darnold like he was still wearing a Jets uniform, holding the hapless quarterback to 172 passing yards — 32 in the first half — while picking him off three times.