The New England Patriots celebrate their fifth victory of the current NFL season at the Carolina Panthers. Thanks to their run game and a strong defensive performance, head coach Bill Belichick’s team wins clearly with 24:6.

Munich/Charlotte – The winning streak of the New England Patriots continues. The six-time Super Bowl winners delivered another focused performance in Week 9, defeating the Carolina Panthers 24:6.

Nightmare for Sam Darnold

The key to Jakob Johnson and Co.’s fifth win of the season was a strong performance by the running game led by running backs Damian Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson. The Patriots rushed for 151 yards and scored a touchdown on the ground.

However, the Patriots also benefited from Panthers pass rusher Sam Darnold, who had a pitch black day. Darnold afforded himself three interceptions, including a bitter pick 6 for 88 yards. In total the playmaker was responsible for 162 passing yards.

The return of star running back Christian McCaffrey also failed to revitalise the offence, with Head Coach Matt Rhule’s side finishing the game without a touchdown and unable to get beyond two field goals.

Next Patriots game live from Foxborough

For Mac Jones, the game also resembled a roller coaster ride. The Patriots’ rookie quarterback accounted for two turnovers himself (a fumble and an interception), including a miscue to former teammate and rookie Panther Stephon Gilmore.

Jones finished with 122 passing yards and a touchdown.

The Panthers now stand at a record of 4-5 and host the Arizona Cardinals next Sunday. The game between the Cleveland Browns (5-4) and the New England Patriots (5-4) will be broadcast live by ranFootball from Gillette Stadium in Foxborough.