The New England defense faces a stern test Week 1 against Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson. The defensive line will have their first opportunity to match up against a similarly mobile quarterback Friday night when Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers welcome the Patriots to Bank of America Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
Here are five Patriots to keep an eye on as the team goes for a third preseason victory:
Rob Gronkowski
Will Gronk play?
There’s every chance the Patriots superstar tight end will spend Friday night where he spent the first two exhibition games: on the sideline.