FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — From a punt return returned for a touchdown to a missed field goal, special teams played a key factor during Sunday’s 42-13 win by the New England Patriots over the Carolina Panthers.

The Patriots received a noticeable lift from their special teams, with Marcus Jones delivering the biggest impact. The fourth-year pro ran back a punt in the first quarter that covered 87 yards and erased a 6-0 Carolina lead. A sharp cut to the inside enabled Jones to get in the clear and earn his second punt return for a score in his career.

“I’m pretty ruthless back there,” Jones said with a smile after the game. “Mainly, what I try to worry about is the gunners. I had a little bit of space, and I trust our guys to make the right blocks.”

Jones came close to adding a second pun

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