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Panthers vs. Patriots: Position battles to watch

By Brandon Scott

CHARLOTTE, NC - AUGUST 31: Damiere Byrd #18 of the Carolina Panthers celebrates after scoring a touchdown with teammate Curtis Samuel #10 of the Carolina Panthers during their game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Bank of America Stadium on August 31, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - AUGUST 31: Damiere Byrd #18 of the Carolina Panthers celebrates after scoring a touchdown with teammate Curtis Samuel #10 of the Carolina Panthers during their game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Bank of America Stadium on August 31, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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Miami Dolphins v Carolina Panthers
CHARLOTTE, NC – AUGUST 17: Taylor Heinicke #6 of the Carolina Panthers throws a pass against the Miami Dolphins in the second quarter during the game at Bank of America Stadium on August 17, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

QB – Garrett Gilbert vs. Taylor Heinicke

Carolina elected to part ways with backup quarterback Derek Anderson this offseason opening the door for a young replacement. The Panthers signed Kyle Allen following the draft but his development appears to be behind that of a few more experienced candidates.

Garrett Gilbert was so impressive last season that Carolina moved him to the active roster for fear another team would pull him from their practice squad should they need a quarterback. Despite not playing in any games, Gilbert got one season of full time practice repetitions and was the expected front-runner entering training camp.

Taylor Heinicke was added in the spring for depth and competition but may be playing his way ahead of Gilbert. Heinicke benefited from a new offensive coordinator in Norv Turner, meaning both backups share an equal amount of time with the new coach. Heinicke played in one NFL game for the Houston Texans last season, completing his lone pass attempt.

The Panthers may elect to carry both Gilbert and Heinicke behind Cam Newton but typically a third position has only been available to someone who can contribute elsewhere. Neither backup quarterback fits that bill but the Panthers may not want to risk using a practice squad position either.

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