The Patriots and Panthers meet tonight in Charlotte to play the all-important third preseason game, which serves as the most realistic tuneup for the regular-season opener.
Expect the starters to earn their most extensive playing time, and there’s also a lot at stake with next week’s roster cuts intensifying the competition for jobs.
Here’s a look at what to watch:
1. Time to impress
Tom Brady hasn’t exactly been armed with a full assortment of pass catchers in two preseason games, so the starting offense’s struggles are understandable to a degree. Even though, in the grand scheme of things, it doesn’t mean much, Brady doesn’t take these things lightly.