Halftime: Patriots Face 10-3 Halftime Deficit Against Panthers

The New England Patriots have been anything but opportunistic in the first half against the Carolina Panthers, and trail 10-3 at halftime in week 11 as a result.

The Patriots have possessed the ball just three times on offense.  All three times, the Patriots have picked up multiple first downs and have moved the ball deep into Panthers territory.  But all three of those possessions have resulted in a combined three points for New England.  The Patriots first drive stalled due to a sack by Greg Hardy that was due to a miscommunication on the line. The second drive stalled in the red zone on a Stevan Ridley fumble. Finally, the third drive only resulted in a field goal due to a boneheaded personal foul penalty on Logan Mankins that almost spoiled the drive all together.

Defensively, the Patriots' front four has been getting abused by the Panthers offensive line - especially when trying to rush the passer.  The secondary has also been victimized in man coverage, with Aqib Talib geting burned deep on the Panthers' touchdown drive by Steve Smith.  Speaking of Talib, he's got to calm down.  He got into it with Steve Smith several times in the first half.  Smith is clearly in his head.  Talib needs to find a way to keep his cool, and not let his frustrations effect his play.

The Patriots will get the ball to start a second half.  A touchdown drive would be nice.