Now let's take a look at the grades for the Panthers' defense, special teams and coaching staff after Sunday's 20-10 loss to the Patriots.

Defensive Line: Standing stout on a fourth-down play ending the Pats’ opening possession, this group was later dominated by the opposing line, shut out on sacks. Nick Hayden had eight tackles. Julius Peppers made a million bucks, but was not credited with a tackle. Grade: C

Linebackers: Compiling 16 tackles (nine solo), Jon Beason solidified his status as team MVP. James Anderson, who filled in adequately with nine total tackles, was victimized by a bogus pass interference call in the second quarter. Grade: B

Linebacker Jon Beason has stepped up in the absence of the injured Thomas Davis and made a big impact for Carolina.

Secondary: Richard Marshall limped off the field after absorbing a blow from Laurence Maroney, and in went rookie Captain Munnerlyn to face veteran Wes Welker, who scorched the DBs in the second half. The group is showing promise for creating turnovers. Grade: C

Special Teams: This injury-depleted group is still not physical enough in key areas. Following the Panthers’ first score, a member of the kickoff coverage, according to a radio announcer, was “crash-dummy tested.” Dante Wesley continues to shine for the troubled unit, and Tyrell Sutton is proving a kickoff-return spark. Grade: C

Coaching: The Panthers are a run-first team, but during a game when conditions called for a ground attack, coach John Fox conducted an aerial showcase with a second-string pilot. The defensive staff also should have recognized the zone defense crumbling before their eyes and made third-quarter adjustments. By the way, what was the deal with all the illegal shifts? Grade: D

-- JEFF HAWKINS