Panthers vs. Dolphins Preseason: Reasons to watch

The Carolina Panthers host Miami in preseason game number two, here’s why you should watch…

Carolina Panthers coach Ron Rivera enters his eighth year at the helm and may have his most talented team to date. That’s not to say the Panthers will be Super Bowl bound or ride into the playoffs on the heels of a 15-1 regular season, but top to bottom, this may be the most dynamic group of playmakers on both sides of the ball in recent memory.

On defense, captains Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis return in the middle of a group with plenty to prove. Defensive tackle Star Lotulelei exited during the offseason but was replaced up front by Dontari Poe. In the secondary, starting positions remain vacant at both safety and corner but each has plenty of viable options from which to choose.

Offensively, general manager Marty Hurney has attempted to surround quarterback Cam Newton with plenty of weapons. Second year running back Christian McCaffrey is expected to carry a significant workload in addition to revamping the wide receiver position. Hurney added veteran Torrey Smith and signed slot receiver Jarius Wright along with drafting D.J. Moore as the first receiver taken in the NFL Draft.

Rivera now must determine who makes the 53-man roster prior to the regular season. A good problem to have, there will be a few extremely talented players left on the outside looking in once his decisions are made in just a few short weeks.

Friday provides another opportunity for those hoping to impress and a few other reasons for fans to tune in when the Panthers and Dolphins kick off at Bank of America Stadium.