Panthers struggle in 1-3 start after Patriots loss

The curated articles collectively highlight the Carolina Panthers' dire 1-3 start following a major loss to the New England Patriots. Common themes across the articles include the team's operational challenges and particularly flawed performances across all phases: offense, defense, and special teams. Coach Dave Canales acknowledged his role, calling himself the "common denominator" and shouldering responsibility for the team's poor display.

One article highlights special teams missteps, pointing out a disastrous day for coverage and execution. The Panthers' struggles included a missed extra point and costly punt returns that set up Patriots touchdowns. Another article details a promising opening drive that collapsed as the game progressed. Miscommunication between quarterback Bryce Young and his wide receivers added to the offensive woes. Accompanying this game analysis, the articles discuss repercussions within the team. David Moore, a Panthers receiver, sustained an elbow injury on the game's first play, extending the team's list of unavailable receivers. Canales announced no immediate coaching changes but emphasized the need for reevaluation and improvement ahead of upcoming matches. Despite the bleak outlook, articles note Young's continued status as the starting quarterback for the next game against the Miami Dolphins.

New England Patriots running back Treveyon Henderson (32) runs against the Carolina Panthers during Sunday’s first half at Gillette Stadium. By Brian Fluharty

NO. 1: TAKEAWAYS FROM PANTHERS’ BLOWOUT LOSS: SPECIAL TEAMS, OFFENSE SINK VS. PATRIOTS

A brilliant opening drive by head coach Dave Canales, quarterback Bryce Young and the Panthers’ offense turned out to be fool’s gold in a 42-13 blowout loss to the New England Patriots on Sunday at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass. | Published September 28, 2025 | Read Full Story by Mike Kaye

New England Patriots running back Treveyon Henderson (32) runs with the ball while Carolina Panthers cornerback Chau Smith-Wade (26) defends during the second half at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough By Bob DeChiara

NO. 2: PANTHERS HIT CRISIS MODE AFTER LOSS, WITH DAVE CANALES AS ‘COMMON DENOMINATOR’

The Carolina Panthers are a very bad football team. | Published September 28, 2025 | Read Full Story by Scott Fowler

New England Patriots running back Treveyon Henderson (32) scores a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers during the first half at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA., on Sunday, Sep 28, 2025 By Brian Fluharty

NO. 3: ‘NOT ACCEPTABLE‘: WHAT PANTHERS’ DAVE CANALES SAID AFTER 42-13 LOSS VS. PATRIOTS

Dave Canales is putting Sunday’s 43-13 blowout loss to the New England Patriots (2-2) on himself. | Published September 28, 2025 | Read Full Story by Mike Kaye

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NO. 4: SEE PHOTOS FROM CAROLINA PANTHERS VS. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS NFL GAME

See images from the Carolina Panthers’ game against the New England Patriots on Sunday at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass.. | Published September 28, 2025 | Read Full Story by The' Pham

Carolina Panthers wide receiver David Moore (83) runs for yards after catch against the Pittsburgh Steelers during a mid-August preseason game at Bank of America Stadium. By Jim Dedmon

NO. 5: CAROLINA PANTHERS RECEIVER CARTED OFF FIELD AFTER INJURY ON FIRST PLAY VS. PATRIOTS

A veteran Carolina Panthers receiver was carted off the field after just the first play of their Week 4 contest against the New England Patriots. | Published September 28, 2025 | Read Full Story by Alex Zietlow

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.