Carolina Panthers ‘special’ in preseason win, other takeaways

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - AUGUST 08: Rashad Ross #19 of the Carolina Panthers gets his jersey pulled by Stephen Denmark #35 of the Chicago Bears during the second half of a preseason game at Soldier Field on August 08, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - AUGUST 08: Rashad Ross #19 of the Carolina Panthers gets his jersey pulled by Stephen Denmark #35 of the Chicago Bears during the second half of a preseason game at Soldier Field on August 08, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images)
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Carolina Panthers v Chicago Bears
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – AUGUST 08: Taylor Heinicke #6 of the Carolina Panthers carries the ball against Jonathon Mincy #31 of the Chicago Bears during the second half of a preseason at Soldier Field on August 08, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images)

Quarterbacks

Quarterback Cam Newton sat out the first game but has appeared healthy to this point. While he may need a few reps to work on communication and potentially some timing, putting him in harms way when the games don’t matter is a bit silly. As an eight-year veteran, he could not play at all and still be ready for Week 1 of the regular season.

In his absence Kyle Allen got the start and although rookie Will Grier added a touchdown pass, it was evident Allen is the front-runner at this point. Crisp, clean passes and solid decision making put him ahead of Grier but both seem to be outplaying Taylor Heinicke.

The battle for a roster position continues to be interesting as Ron Rivera and his staff have to determine if the Panthers will keep one or two backup options.

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