Panthers vs. Patriots: Preseason Game 3 Preview
The Carolina Panthers preseason continues on Friday against New England…
Through two preseason games the Carolina Panthers offense has displayed some inconsistent play. One minute they look capable of returning to the Super Bowl and then two or three plays later, quarterback Cam Newton is again rushed in the pocket, scrambling for his life, or being brought down in the backfield.
Defensively, the front seven is solid but questions linger in the secondary at both corner and safety. This group has also shown characteristics of being an elite unit but then allows a big gain or key third down conversion as the ability to maintain a high level of play falls off.
Fortunately it is preseason football and the games don’t count although despite their ups and downs the Panthers are 2-0 to this point. The record may not carry into regular season play but under coach Ron Rivera, a good preseason showing has translated into a solid year for Carolina.
Twice, 2013 and 2015, the Panthers have gone 3-1 in preseason play winning the NFC South each year and finishing the regular season with a combined 27-5 record. In 2015 Carolina played an identical preseason schedule, winning the first two and narrowly losing to New England before rebounding for the greatest season in franchise history.
2018 PRESEASON: CAROLINA PANTHERS (2-0) vs. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (2-0)
KICKOFF: Friday, August 24 at 7:30 PM ET
TV: WCCB (Local) with a Sunday (8/26) replay on NFL Network at 1:00pm
ONLINE: FuboTV Watch over 67 live sports and entertainment channels with a 7-day FREE trial!
LOCATION: Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte, NC)
WEATHER: 77 degrees, 60% humidity, 6mph E wind, 0% precipitation
LAST MEETING: 33-30, PANTHERS – October 1, 2017 (WEEK 4)
WHAT TO WATCH:
Everyone has now seen midfield remained vacant last Friday night and there isn’t any signs that will change when Carolina host New England with a bigger reveal scheduled for opening week. Other than what logo will adorn the 50-yard line at Bank of America Stadium there is plenty to watch in the Panthers third preseason matchup.
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On offense, how coach Ron Rivera elects to handle the left tackle position vacated by Matt Kalil will be key as they could be without him for some time pending further examination. Last week, second-year lineman Taylor Moton moved over from right tackle where he was filling in for injured starter Daryl Williams.
Defensively, the first unit should get a good test against Tom Brady and the Patriots offense if coach Bill Belichick elects to use his future Hall of Fame quarterback. Brady didn’t play in game one but threw 26 passes last week, completing 19 for 172 yards and two touchdowns.
Typically, game three provides viewers with close to regular season action with many starters playing past halftime and into the third quarter. For Carolina, expect to see this type of game plan with different players working in and out at the few areas still in need of some solidarity – offensive line, cornerback and safety.
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The Panthers conclude preseason play at Pittsburgh next week on Thursday (8/30) night.