Carolina Panthers at New England Patriots – Preseason Game 3 preview
Carolina Panthers continue preseason play against the defending Super Bowl champions.
After an impressive Carolina Panthers victory over the Chiacgo Bears to start preseason play, the team faltered at home. Following two intense practices against the Buffalo Bills, the Panthers quarterbacks struggled and the offense failed to generate any momentum as the visiting Bills took preseason game number two.
For the seventh consecutive season, Carolina now matches up against the New England Patriots. Meeting every year in preseason play, except for two when the teams met during the regular season, Carolina is 3-3 against the historic franchise – including victories in both of the games that counted.
A solid test for both teams, the Panthers and Patriots have historically met during the third preseason game where starters see the most amount of action. The same is expected this time around as coach Ron Rivera has indicated he’s hoping to get some quality work for the Panthers biggest stars in this preliminary matchup.
2019 PRESEASON: CAROLINA PANTHERS (1-1) at NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (2-0)
KICKOFF: Thursday, August 22 at 7:30pm ET
TV: WCCB (Local) with a Friday (8/23) replay on NFL Network at 4:00pm ET
ONLINE: FuboTV Watch over 67 live sports and entertainment channels with a 7-day FREE trial!
LOCATION: Gillette Stadium (Foxborough, MA)
WEATHER: 85 degrees, 63% humidity, 7mph NW wind, 20% precipitation
LAST MEETING: 25-14, PANTHERS – August 24, 2018 (Preseason Game 3)
WHAT TO WATCH:
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There are three key factors to keep an eye on as this game transpires over the course of the evening. First, when Carolina has the football, everyone will be watching quarterback Cam Newton. Expected to see his first live game action since Week 15 last season, Newton can put fears of any lingering shoulder issues to rest with a solid performance.
Opposite, how the Panthers defense is able to handle future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady will also be important. With the starting unit anticipating at least a few series, their ability to corral one of the best quarterbacks in the game will give coaches and fans an idea of what to expect when the regular season rolls around.
Finally, once the starters have received their share of work – whether it be one series or an entire half, the focus should shift to those battling for positions. The competition at backup quarterback and running back, in addition to the defensive front are all worth watching with only a limited number of spots available.
Next. Preseason Depth Chart Reactions. dark
Carolina concludes preseason play at Bank of America Stadium next week on Thursday (8/29) night against the Pittsburgh Steelers.