At a time when the NFL is changing kickoff rules to give offenses better field position, the Panthers are the best team in the NFL at pinning their opponents deep: The average line of scrimmage after the Panthers’ kickoffs this season has been the 21-yard line, ranking Carolina No. 1 in the league.

Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel is preparing to face the Panthers on Sunday, and he spent an inordinate amount of his film study time this week trying to figure out how the Panthers do it so well.

“It’s impressive,” Vrabel said. “I sat there and looked at it for two hours last night. Impressive. They’ve got good players, they’ve got great speed. They change the scheme up on you. And so that’ll be critical that we’re able to protect the guy with the ball. They’re flying. And it starts with the

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