The New England Patriots will be looking to fix their first-team offensive woes this week when they match up against the Carolina Panthers. (Getty)
The New England Patriots and Carolina Panthers are a combined 3-1 this preseason, but you can bet neither is satisfied heading into Friday’s “dress rehearsal.”
That’s due largely in part to each squad’s first-team offense. Granted, both have been without key pieces (no Rob Gronkowski, no Julian Edelman, no Kelvin Benjamin), but it has still been ugly. Last week, Tom Brady compiled 13 yards and zero first downs on three drives, while Cam Newton completed four of 10 throws for 42 yards and an interception.
With the struggling starters likely getting about two quarters to get into a better rhythm, this is a preseason contest that carries plenty of intrigue. Here’s everything you need to know about it.
Game Information
Date: Friday, August 28, 2015
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC
TV Channel: WBZ in Boston; WCCB in Charlotte. Click here for a full list of local affiliates
Live Stream: NFL.com
Odds: Pick ’em (even odds), Over/Under 44.5, via OddsShark.com
Patriots Player to Watch: Jimmy Garoppolo
Garoppolo looked razor sharp last week against the Saints. (Getty)
After a really shaky opener, Garoppolo looked tremendous in relief of Tom Brady last week. Leading the Pats to a 26-24 come-from-behind victory over the New Orleans Saints, he went 28-of-33 for 269 yards, one touchdown and one interception. The interception was his only real mistake, but he made up for it by leading two consecutive scoring drives immediately after to win the game.
Sorry. @Patriots QB Jimmy Garoppolo doesn’t want to take a sack right now.
He’d rather throw a crazy TD. #NEvsNO http://t.co/ys1uHqKT7X
As Brady’s appeal for his four-game suspension drags on, it’s still unclear if Garoppolo will be starting Week 1 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. But if he continues to move the ball with fringe receivers like he did against the Saints, it will be an important boost to his confidence should he ultimately get the starting nod.
Panthers Player to Watch: Devin Funchess
Devin Funchess’ size makes him a logical replacement for the injured Kelvin Benjamin. (Getty)
Last week, Cam Newton found out what life without Kelvin Benjamin was like, and it wasn’t pretty. In the first game since Benjamin tore his ACL, the Panthers had two three-and-outs, one turnover and one good drive with Newton under center.
Veteran tight end Greg Olsen made some nice plays, and he’ll obviously pick up some of the slack, but someone from the receiving corps needs to step up. A likely candidate to do so to Devin Funchess.
The rookie didn’t play last week due to a hamstring injury, but he impressed in the opener with two catches for 53 yards. A former tight end, he’s a big receiver built in a similar mold as Benjamin. He has the chance to play a big role this season, so it’ll be important for him to get on the field (he returned to practice Tuesday) and get in some work with Newton and the first team in live game action.
