Panthers - Patriots: 5 things I am looking for

[Jeremy Igo]

In what will be the best dress rehearsal for the regular season we are ever going to see, here is what I will be paying extra close attention to in tonight's Panthers - Patriots match up. 

 

Run Game Dominance 

With Jonathan Stewart in the lineup and a much improved offensive line, the Panthers need to impose their will on the Patriots first string defense.  Last week this group looked pedestrian at best. The Panthers have enough talent on offense this season to grind out at least a few yards on every attempt, even if it is ugly and right up the gut of the Patriots defense. Line up our biggest guys against their biggest guys and lets see who gets moved. 

Cam Newton Read and React

Cam Newton has never looked good in preseason, so I am not overly concerned here. But many of Cam's throws have been just a tad late or behind the receiver. Take last week's intercepted pass to Greg Olsen for example. The ball was out late and behind Olsen, even though Cam had more than adequate protection. The result was a pick 6. I would like to see an interception free game from Newton this evening with quicker more decisive reads. 

More Shaq!

Really excited about what we saw from Shaq Thompson last week. Thompson provides a physical skill set that will prove to be a huge headache for opposing offensive coordinators this year. Thompson has the speed and strength to cover nearly anyone on the field and the natural instincts to snuff out the run at the line of scrimmage. More Shaq, please. 

Catch the Ball, Corey

Corey Brown has a dismal showing last week with his multiple drops including one in the end zone. While I am excited that Jarrett Boykin is really coming on strong, the Panthers need Brown as an additional deep threat. If Corey can put together a solid game tonight, catch everything thrown his way, and possibly tack on a touchdown... last week will be all but forgotten. 

Get Aggressive, Stay Aggressive

The Panthers and Patriots do not like each other, and that is putting it mildly. Even though it is preseason, the Panthers do not want to be embarrassed by the Patriots on a national stage. I know some fans will play the "just no injuries" card, which is always a boring platitude. Of course no injuries. It is a given. But you know how you avoid injuries best? By staying aggressive and on the offensive. Players most frequently get injured when they are not in control of the action. Take Cam's rib injury from last year's Patriots game for example. Offensive line break down, Cam running for his life amidst a butt whooping. Result? Injury. Be in control. Stay aggressive. That is the best way to stay healthy. 

 

 

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[Paa Langfart]

If Olsen gets hurt our season is done.

[GhostP.]

Corey Brown has had more clutch catches than any of the current receivers we have on the field now so I'm not too concerned about him as much as everyone else has been lately. 

Would be nice to see Funchess out there with the ones and getting some much needed reps if his hamstring is up to it of course.

Our defense has not looked like a top 10 defense which its capable of either.  So lets see if we get a glimpse of that tonight along with an actual pass rush.

Would also be nice to see Shaq on the field and him matching up against Gronk (if he takes the field) .. That will def be worth watching!  

 

 

 

[Paa Langfart]

With 3 of our starting d lineman out I doubt you will see much pressure on the Pats qb.

[Bj-Monster23]

I'm praying that the Panthers come out tonight and set the tone for the season early. I expect the Panthers to try to get the run game going early with Stewart and company and see what can this newly rebuilt offensive line can do. Tonight's game should be showcased as "The Rise of the #1 Receiver", I expect somebody to step up whether it's Funchess or Corey Brown to take on the role as the lead dog in this group tonight. Kelvin Benjamin isn't coming back this season, so expectations should be extremely high for someone to emerge from this group of receivers to showcase their talents against the defending super bowl champs. I expect Cam to make the right reads and deliver the ball on time and stay out of harms way.

I don't worry as much about the defense as I do with the offense but I am excited to see Shaq Thompson supplement himself into that already stout linebacker corp. I would like to see Kony Ealy build off his performance from last week and last season and get pressure on Brady and company. I'm also really excited to see how good this secondary can really become. I expect Josh Norman to continue to perform well and lock receivers up on the outside and this secondary to be active in the run and pass game tonight. Cheers to our first real test of the season!

Edited August 28, 2015 by Bj-Monster23

[top dawg]

What is this thing about the Panthers and Patsies not liking each other? I never got that feeling, though I would love it if Gettleman publicly showed some disdain for Belichick.

[Ace_Aladdin]

With 3 of our starting d lineman out I doubt you will see much pressure on the Pats qb.

This is where improved secondary will come in effect for the passing game and top a notch LB corp for run stop.

Edited August 28, 2015 by sanjay_rajput

[dpm0409]

With 3 of our starting d lineman out I doubt you will see much pressure on the Pats qb.

Know star is out of course.  It's been verified that KK and CJ are both def. out?

Was wondering about this on the way to work.....must be game day.

Edited August 28, 2015 by dpm0409

[Jeremy Igo]

Know star is out of course.  It's been verified that KK and CJ are both def. out?

Last I heard CJ was in and KK was questionable 

[Jeremy Igo]

What is this thing about the Panthers and Patsies not liking each other? I never got that feeling, though I would love it if Gettleman publicly showed some disdain for Belichick.

It is true, ever since the Superbowl loss. 

You won't hear about it publicly, but it is there and deep. 

[uncfan888]

We just need to get out of this game healthy..  Platitude or not.  This preseason has been maddening so far 

Edited August 28, 2015 by uncfan888

[imminent rogaine]

What is this thing about the Panthers and Patsies not liking each other? I never got that feeling, though I would love it if Gettleman publicly showed some disdain for Belichick.

Bill goes to shake hands for some reason and DG responds with a  Marshawn-style crotch grab.

Edited August 28, 2015 by imminent rogaine

[CarolinaSock]

Cam did get knocked around in the game last year, but his injury occurred on a play where he had all day to throw and chose to run with an open field in front of him. He simply got down late and essentially rolled into the defender that hit him. 

[panthers55]

Not sure the O line will be improved this game although I think for the season they will be.  Kalil is out and Remmers is going to play some center tonight for the first time in the NFL.  Williams will get more snaps and he is a rookie with no NFL experience. Not sure how they will do tonight.

I hope that Boykin gets work with the 1s.  Honestly he and Ginn have looked the best so far.  I hope Funchess gets work if he is healthy.  He needs the work and has looked good in minimal play so far.as well  I will be interested in how many times we blitz or pressure Brady versus sit back in a zone shell and keep everything in front of us as Brady nickels and dimes us down the field.

Finally if Belicheck is gameplanning he will skew the defense to take something away from the offense which will likely be the run game by loading the box and daring Cam to throw the ball.  So I expect the passing game to look better than the running game honestly..

Edited August 28, 2015 by panthers55