Entering this week, the New England Patriots gave themselves an opportunity to finally get back above .500, and show the world that Matthew Judon was right when he said the Patriots were better than their record indicated. Against the Carolina Panthers, they did just that.
On defense, New England stifled Sam Darnold (what else is new) and held the Panthers to just six points. On offense, the Patriots did just enough to keep themselves ahead and allow the defense to play their brand of football. In the process they found a few things that could help contribute to their success down the line.