Carolina Panthers vs Patriots: Three key matchups to watch

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FOXBORO, MA – OCTOBER 1: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers celebrates during the game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts.(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

Cam Newton vs. Tom Brady

Although it may not have the excitement of a regular season contest, the battle between Cam Newton and New England Patriots signal-caller Tom Brady will be very fun to watch on Friday and certainly a key matchup.

In a game where Brady played the entire first half against the Philadelphia Eagles, he was a man on a mission. Going 19-of-26 for 172 yards and two touchdowns, he looked as though he was in midseason form. Averaging 6.6 yards per completion, he made each of his throws count.

In the meantime, Cam Newton had a decent game of his own. He went 9-of-12, throwing for 89 yards, a touchdown and an interception.

Yes, this is a preseason game, but we all remember what happened the last time these two teams faced off. The Carolina Panthers beat the New England Patriots on the road by a 33-30 score back in October. Newton had a great game, throwing for 316 yards and three touchdowns in what was one of the better games of the season.

These are two talented quarterbacks with high-octane offenses. With the starters expected to play a good portion of the game, it should be a particularly exciting game.

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