FOXBORO — The Patriots needed this one .

Head coach Mike Vrabel improved his record to 2-2 with a dominant 42-13 victory over the Panthers in Week 4.

One of the biggest differences in Sunday’s win was the amount of explosive plays generated by the Patriots, who struggled to produce big gains over the first three weeks of the season.

The Patriots received big plays from running backs Antonio Gibson and Rhamondre Stevenson, wide receiver Stefon Diggs and tight ends Austin Hooper and Hunter Henry, but none were bigger than two punt returns, including an 87-yard touchdown, from Marcus Jones.

Things started ominously for the Patriots, however.

The Panthers’ offense moved down the field with ease on their opening drive, traveling 76 yards on just seven plays with a 4-yard penalty. The ope

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