In the standings, the victory will show the Patriots righted their season and maintained a one-game lead in the AFC East over the Dolphins and Jets, both winners yesterday. They extended their record at home to 7-0, owing largely to a defense that allowed the Panthers barely 100 yards in the second half.
“I’m proud of the way we fought today,’’ said quarterback Tom Brady, who challenged his teammates after last week’s loss in Miami. “It was a hard-fought win. It’s a December win.’’
It was also an ugly win. Under a gunmetal gray sky, facing a 5-7 team using its backup quarterback, the Patriots earned no style points. Wide receiver Randy Moss endured his worst day as a Patriot, and afterward had his effort questioned by Panthers defensive backs. The Patriots committed three turnovers inside Carolina’s 40-yard line. Brady fought through the triumvirate of injuries that threatened his playing status.
“We’ve played better and lost,’’ linebacker Tully Banta-Cain said. “We’ll do anything it takes to win.’’
Welker would not let them lose yesterday. The Patriots faced third and 2 after Godfrey decked Welker in the third quarter, and Welker adjusted his facemask and walked back to the huddle.
The Patriots had produced little offense in the first half. Almost every time they mounted a threat, it dissolved. Three times, they turned the ball over in Carolina territory, including a Sammy Morris fumble inside the 20 on their first drive of the second half. They scored only on a Kevin Faulk draw at the end of the first half, which Carolina coach John Fox set up by having John Kasay attempt a 53-yard field goal through the rain.
When Godfrey blasted Welker, the Patriots were tied at 7 and 88 yards from the other end zone. Welker ran a drag pattern from right to left, and Brady held the ball until he came free. Brady drilled a pass into his stomach, and Welker gained 13 yards. Welker hopped up and thrust his arms in the air, injecting life into a moribund crowd - and his team.
