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Panthers at Bills: Preseason Game 1 Preview

By Brandon Scott

ORCHARD PARK, NY - AUGUST 14: Nate Chandler #78 of the Carolina Panthers defends as B.J. Larsen #69 of the Buffalo Bills tries to get into the backfield during the second half on August 14, 2015 during a preseason game at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, New York. Carolina defeats Buffalo 25-24. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NY - AUGUST 14: Nate Chandler #78 of the Carolina Panthers defends as B.J. Larsen #69 of the Buffalo Bills tries to get into the backfield during the second half on August 14, 2015 during a preseason game at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, New York. Carolina defeats Buffalo 25-24. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /
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The Carolina Panthers kickoff preseason play against a few familiar faces…

The preseason is traditionally used for starters to see limited action, position battles being determined and reserves playing to earn their roster position. For the Carolina Panthers in 2018, the same is expected despite numerous changes on and off the field this offseason.

Unlike last year, quarterback Cam Newton is fully healthy and expected to be given his regular amount of repetitions each game. While recovering from rotator cuff surgery, his preseason appearances were limited a year ago and attempts to work on his pass timing even harder to find.

When the Panthers open at Buffalo, expect to see a small sample of the new Norv Turner offense designed to improve his completion percentage, especially with first-round pick D.J. Moore in addition to the usual suspects, tight end Greg Olsen and running back Christian McCaffrey.

This group may only be on the field for a series or two but it will be the first live action for Turner’s offense regardless of personnel. The communication and play calling will be something to keep an eye on as the game unfolds.

2018 PRESEASON: CAROLINA PANTHERS (0-0) at BUFFALO BILLS (0-0)

KICKOFF: Thursday, August 9 at 7:00 PM ET 

TV: WCCB (Local) with Friday (8/10) replay on NFL Network at 10:00am 

ONLINE: FuboTV Watch over 67 live sports and entertainment channels with a 7-day FREE trial!

LOCATION: New Era Field (Orchard Park, NY)

WEATHER: 76 degrees, 78% humidity, 11mph SW wind, 20% precipitation

LAST MEETING: 9-3, PANTHERS – September 17, 2017 (WEEK 2)

WHAT TO WATCH:  

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The Panthers and Bills know each other extremely well. Former defensive coordinator Sean McDermott has enlisted the services of many ex-Panthers during his brief tenure and recent comments made by former wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin have only served to highlight this game.

While there shouldn’t be an opportunity for Benjamin and Newton to interact on the field, other than potentially warm-ups, when either is playing they will be worth watching. Newton and the starters should get at least a series or two.

Following, the performance of backup quarterback Garrett Gilbert and if he is capable of providing the security Carolina needs behind Newton will be on display. There are others in line at the position, Taylor Heinicke and rookie Kyle Allen, but it appears Gilbert will be given the first opportunity at earning a roster position.

On defense, secondary play from start to finish will be an interesting topic. The starting cornerback position opposite James Bradberry is vacant although Kevon Seymour will fill it initially. The play of another rookie, Donte Jackson may change that in the future and at safety, everyone not named Mike Adams should have your attention.

dark. Next. Preseason Depth Chart Surprises

The Panthers return home next week against the Miami Dolphins on Friday (8/17) night.

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