Game Preview: Carolina Panthers Vs. Tennessee Titans

What: Carolina Panthers vs. Tennessee Titans

When: Saturday, August 28, 2010; 8 p.m. ET

Where: Bank of America Stadium; Charlotte, NC

The Carolina Panthers are 0-2 so far during preseason. Not that it matters — for the record, that is. If it’s any consolation, the Indianapolis Colts were 1-3 at the conclusion of preseason in 2009, and they played in the Super Bowl.

Tonight’s game will be Carolina’s final home game of the preseason, and to date, there remains a lot of unanswered questions.

Tonight, we should see the starting lineup play for almost three quarters. Their level of play should give us a pretty good idea where this team stands going into the first week of the regular season, when the Panthers travel to New Jersey to take on the New York Giants.

I was reading on anothre site, that typically the way the third game of preseason goes for Carolina, so goes the team’s season. In year’s when it’s won the third preseason game (regardless of the first, second, and fourth games), the team has generally gone on to have a winning season with playoff appearances. In years when it’s lost the third game of preseason, the team has finished with records of 7-9 and 8-8.

I’m not so sure I’d hang my hat on what could be merely coincidental, but it is an interesting thing to note, and I’m sure I’ve now ruined the day for most of you.

Going up against the Tennessee Titans, the Panthers defense the top running back in the league, in Chris Johnson. Carolina’s run defense has been spotty at best to this point, and I’m eager to see how the run D fares against a power back in Johnson.

Offense is a three-headed monster of a mess; from sorry quarterback play, to the offensive line’s poor blocking ability, to the inability of the wide receivers to catch the football.

Tonight is a big test for quarterback Matt Moore. Not that his job is on the line, but if he plays well it will certainly give the team, coaches, and fans alike a little piece of mind, going into what amounts to be a “Bye Week” for the starters in Week Four of the preseason.

The Titans defense isn’t as scary good as it has been in years past, so inexperience in the defensive backfield and up front should give Carolina’s quarterbacks, receivers, and offensive line more opportunities.

Special teams will be under intense scrutiny once again this evening. From poor tackling, to fumbling on returns — this unit must show some life this time around, as well as a penchant for making some plays.

Tonight, the Panthers will wear their alternate blue tops.

Follow Cat Crave on Twitter @THECatCrave.