Panthers GAMEDAY: vs. New England Patriots, Preseason Game 3
The Carolina Panthers preseason peaks with a home game versus the New England Patriots…
Carolina Panthers coach Ron Rivera remains optimistic about the 2018 season despite suffering multiple injuries to potential starters along the offensive line. Continually searching for a healthy mix of individuals to protect quarterback Cam Newton when regular season play opens in a few weeks, the game against New England provides a useful measuring stick.
A new combination will start the game on Friday night as left tackle Matt Kalil became the latest Panthers lineman to undergo surgery, having an arthroscopic procedure completed on his knee this week. Sidelined for the immediate future and officially, week to week, expectations are second year utility lineman Taylor Moton fills the void.
Already replacing injured starter Daryl Williams at the other tackle position, Moton shifting sides opens the door for Jeremiah Sirles and Blaine Clausell to compete for playing time. Typically, game three provides the most playing time for a first-team unit and the same is expected for Carolina as most starters should play into the third quarter.
Following is your roadmap for all things Panthers and Patriots related as the 2018 preseason continues.
Panthers Preview, Predictions and How to Watch
How and what to watch during the Panthers third preseason game of the year.
A few key matchups between the Panthers and Patriots to keep an eye on throughout the game.
These positions have yet to be determined for Carolina, see who gains the advantage as roster cuts are approaching.
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Carolina is expected to play many of their starters against New England providing the best look to date at how the team is shaping up for the regular season.
Review last week’s game versus Miami and preview the matchup with New England.
As the first-team lines up, hopefully New England takes a similar approach giving starters a chance to compete against one another for at least the first half.
Next. Final Roster Projection Surprises. dark
If so, game three will be critical for those hoping to earn any available starting positions – especially Donte Jackson, Greg Van Roten and Sirles.