It’s been a long week leading up to Patriots vs Panthers. The joint practices been tense and so should the game, even if it’s the preseason.
Patriots
While the Panthers are playing mostly second and third string player, New England has decided to give their starters more reps together. The playing time also will help Belichick finalize how he wants to utilize the positions with the most depth. Like wide receiver and the secondary.
These positions have a lot of good players, but who’s going to step up and take the starting roles.
WR Nelson Agholor has certainly made a case for himself. The Patriots added talented Devante Parker and it hasn’t stopped him from having a good offseason. CB Jalen Mills has also shown himself to be a capable corner, which they greatly need, as JoeJuan Williams and Malcolm Butler have been ruled out for the year.
Quarterback Mac Jones is still ultra positive about the offense, which for most would be difficult to maintain. Especially with all the media coverage/scrutiny on the play-calling situation and how bad the offense has looked in the offseason, the offense has to show something and perform.
Panthers
The decision to not play the starters, even for a series or two is surprising. Head coach Matt Rhule is on the hot seat and is feeling heat from ownership to win. Especially since the ownership is fairly new, they always put the most pressure on their teams to win.
The team itself is better than New England and has lots of young talent. However, the QB situation could end Rhule’s time in Carolina. Baker Mayfield has low stock, Sam Darnold seems to be a bust and rookie Matt Corral has had major struggles during his first offseason. They need all the reps they can get.
I’m not going to make a score prediction because it’s the preseason but New England should look better than Carolina in Patriots vs Panthers.
Make sure to continue following the Patriots here at Gridiron Heroics, here’s an article on the Patriots/Panthers brawls.
For More Great Football Content
Follow us on Twitter at @GridironHeroics for more great content. We appreciate you taking time to read our articles. To interact more with our community and keep up to date on the latest in Football news, JOIN OUR FREE FACEBOOK GROUP by CLICKING HERE
