CHARLOTTE - After seven games, the New England Patriots seemed like a middle-of-the-road team in the AFC playoff race.
They'd beaten the Jets twice and won at Houston. There were also losses to Miami, New Orleans, Tampa Bay and Dallas, some of the better teams in the NFC.
So the jury was still out heading into Week 8 as the Patriots headed west to face the red-hot L.A. Chargers.
New England won, 27-24, behind a defense that harassed Justin Herbert to the tune of two interceptions and three sacks.
Suddenly, the Patriots are shooting up the power rankings and coming into Carolina with the momentum of a two-game win streak.
QB MAC
Quarterback Mac Jones has been solid in his rookie season after being selected 15th overall in last April's draft.
He's completed over 70 percent of his passes in five of his first eight games, the only QB ever to do so.
He leads all rookie quarterbacks in passing yards (1,997), completions (192), completion percentage (68.1), and touchdown passes (9). He is on pace for the best completion percentage by a rookie QB in NFL history (Dak Prescott, 67.7).
Last Sunday was just the second time that Jones hasn't found the end zone in a game this season, as his QB rating came in at 70.9, far below the 92.8 average that he had coming in.
OFFENSIVE WEAPONS
Running back Damien Harris had 23 rushes for 80 yards and a touchdown last week in Los Angeles. He is looking to score a rushing TD in his fifth straight game this week, a mark that would tie for the third-most consecutive games with a rushing TD in NFL history.
Overall, Harris ranks sixth in the NFL with 517 rushing yards this season, averaging 4.4 yards per rush.
After their headline acquisitions this offseason, tight ends Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith currently rank 13th (181) and 22nd (120) respectively among tight ends in receiving yards with just one combined receiving touchdown.
Wideout Jakobi Meyers has been the main target for Jones, leading the team with 45 catches for 427 yards.
DEFENSE TRAVELS
New England is 3-0 on the road this season with a defense that travels.
In three road games, the Patriots lead the NFL in fewest first downs allowed (49), are tied for fourth with 2.3 takeaways per road game, are fourth in opposing passer rating (75.3), and fifth points allowed per game (17.3).
Linebacker Matthew Judon leads the Patriots with eight sacks, ranking fourth in the NFL. Judon's nine tackles for loss ties for fourth-best in the NFL.
Since 2018, J.C. Jackson has 20 total interceptions, tied with Xavien Howard for the most in the NFL over that span.
Carolina is 4-4 all-time against the Patriots. The teams faced off in Super Bowl XXXVIII at the end of the 2003 season.
Carolina Panthers receiver Muhsin Muhammad celebrates a fourth quarter touchdown against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XXXVIII in Houston, Sunday, Feb. 1, 2004. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
An NFL game official keeps things moving as the Carolina Panthers' offense huddles against the New England Patriots defense during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Monday, Nov. 18, 2013. The Panthers won 24-20. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Fozzy Whittaker and Jonathan Stewart celebrate a touchdown The Panthers against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, October 1, 2017.
Jonathan Stewart carries the football The Panthers against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, October 1, 2017.
Cam Newton rushesThe Panthers against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, October 1, 2017.
Julius Peppers makes a tackle The Panthers against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, October 1, 2017.
Christian McCaffrey The Panthers against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, October 1, 2017.
Devin Funchess scores a touchdown The Panthers against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, October 1, 2017.
Luke Kuechly makes a tackle The Panthers against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, October 1, 2017.
Carolina Panthers play against the New England Patriots on Monday, November 18, 2013.
Christian McCaffrey carries the football The Panthers against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, October 1, 2017.
Carolina Panthers play against the New England Patriots on Monday, November 18, 2013.
J.J. Jansen holds the ball as Graham Gano kicks a field goal The Panthers against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, October 1, 2017.
Carolina Panthers play against the New England Patriots on Monday, November 18, 2013.
Carolina Panthers Reggie Howard (23) celebrates his interception with teammate Dante Wesley in the fourth quarter against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl XXXVIII in Houston Sunday, Feb. 1, 2004. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Thomas Davis The Panthers against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, October 1, 2017.
Carolina Panthers play against the New England Patriots on Monday, November 18, 2013.
Carolina Panthers play against the New England Patriots on Monday, November 18, 2013.
Carolina Panthers play against the New England Patriots on Monday, November 18, 2013.
Carolina Panthers play against the New England Patriots on Monday, November 18, 2013.
A referee prepares to throw a penalty flag as New England Patriots' Rob Gronkowski, right, Carolina Panthers' Luke Kuechly, second from right, and Danny Amendola, third from right, react during the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Monday, Nov. 18, 2013. The Panthers won 24-20. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers' Greg Olsen (88) turns a pass up field against New England Patriots' Marquice Cole (23) during the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Monday, Nov. 18, 2013. The Panthers won 24-20. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) gives directions at the line of scrimmage during an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte, NC, Monday, Nov. 18, 2013. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton (1) avoids a sack by a New England Patriots defender during the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Monday, Nov. 18, 2013. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Matt Moore in action during their NFL football game against the New England Patriots in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday afternoon, Dec. 13, 2009. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Ted Ginn (19) moves after scoring a touchdown against the New England Patriots during the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Monday, Nov. 18, 2013. The Carolina Panthers won 24-20. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers' Muhsin Muhammad is tackled during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Dec. 13, 2009. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
Carolina Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams runs for yardage during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Dec. 13, 2009. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady hands off to running back Sammy Morris during an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Dec. 13, 2009. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots' Wes Welker in action during an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Dec. 13, 2009. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady in action during their NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday afternoon, Dec. 13, 2009. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)
Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith in action during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Dec. 13, 2009. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith (89) and Gary Barnidge (82) celebrate a touchdown during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Dec. 13, 2009. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Matt Moore calls signals during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Dec. 13, 2009. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots running back Laurence Maroney runs for yardage during their NFL football game against the New England Patriots in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday afternoon, Dec. 13, 2009. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Matt Moore (3) talks to teammates during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Dec. 13, 2009. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Carolina Panthers' Stephen Davis (48) runs through New England Patriots players Chad Brown (98) and Matt Chatham (58) for his third touchdown of the game during the fourth quarter of the Panthers' 27-17 win in Charlotte, N.C. Sunday Sept. 18, 2005. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme (17) celebrates in front of New England Patriots safety Rodney Harrison (37) after an 85 yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl XXXVIII Sunday, Feb. 1, 2004, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
New England Patriots' Corey Dillon (28) is upended by Carolina Panthers players Ken Lucas (23) and Brandon Short (53) during the first quarter in Charlotte, N.C. Sunday Sept. 18, 2005. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) is sacked by Carolina Panthers' Thomas Davis (47) during the second quarter in Charlotte, N.C. Sunday Sept. 18, 2005. (AP Photo/Rick Havner)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme reacts after an incomplete pass against the New England Patriots during the third quarter of Super Bowl XXXVIII in Houston, Feb. 1, 2004. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)
Carolina Panthers' Kris Mangum (86) is hit as he jumps past New England Patriots' Asante Samuel (22) during the second quarter, Sunday Sept. 18, 2005, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme (17) throws a pass under pressure during the second quarter of the Panthers' 27-17 win over the New England Patriots in Charlotte, N.C. Sunday Sept. 18, 2005. Delhomme was 11-26 for 154 yards and one interception. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers' Stephen Davis (48) and Travelle Wharton (70) celebrates Davis' touchdown in the second quarter of the Panthers' 27-17 win over the New England Patriots in Charlotte, N.C. Sunday Sept. 18, 2005. Davis had 77-yards rushing and three touchdowns.(AP Photo/Rick Havner)
Carolina Panthers' Julius Peppers (90) is knocked out-of-bounds by New England Patriots' Matt Light (72) after Peppers recovered a fumble during the third quarter of the Panthers' 27-17 win in Charlotte, N.C. Sunday Sept. 18, 2005. (AP Photo/Rick Havner)
Carolina Panthers Steve Smith (89) celebrates his fourth quarter catch that set up a touchdown run by teammate DeShaun Foster during Super Bowl XXXVIII in Houston, Sunday Feb. 1, 2004. New England Patriots defenders Eugene Wilson, left, and Tyrone Poole, center rear, walk away. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
New England Patriots Tyrone Poole, left, and Richard Seymour, right, attempt to stop Carolina Panthers running back Stephen Davis (48) during the third quarter of Super Bowl XXXVIII in Houston, Sunday Feb. 1, 2004. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
New England Patriots running back Kevin Faulk (33) is stopped by Carolina Panthers safety Mike Minter (34) during the second quarter of Super Bowl XXXVIII in Houston, Feb. 1, 2004. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Carolina Panthers running back DeShaun Foster dives into the end zone for a touchdown past New England Patriots safety Rodney Harrison in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl XXXVIII in Houston, Sunday, Feb. 1, 2004. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith, top, goes high to grab a 22-yard pass against New England Patriots cornerback Tyrone Poole, bottom, in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl XXXVIII, Sunday, Feb. 1, 2004, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Carolina Panthers tackle Jordan Gross, right, lifts wide receiver Steve Smith after Smith scored the team's first touchdown in the second quarter against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl XXXVIII in Houston, Sunday, Feb. 1, 2004. At left is the Panthers' Muhsin Muhammad (87). (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
Carolina Panthers Steve Smith, top, catches a pass over New England Patriots Tyrone Poole, rear, that set up a touchdown run by DeShaun Foster in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl XXXVIII in Houston, Sunday Feb. 1, 2004. Patriots teammate Eugene Wilson, left front, looks on. AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Carolina Panthers coach John Fox, right, watches a collision between Panthers tight end Jermaine Wiggins and New England Patriots defensive back Eugene Wilson (26) in the third quarter of Super Bowl XXXVIII Sunday, Feb. 1, 2004, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme (17) looks on after losing Super Bowl XXXVIII to the New England Patriots 32-29 in Houston, Sunday, Feb. 1, 2004. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)
Carolina Panthers receiver Muhsin Muhammad crosses into the end zone to score in the fourth quarter against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XXXVIII in Houston, Sunday, Feb. 1, 2004. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
