Preseason Week 3, the dress rehearsal for NFL teams. For the Patriots and Panthers, Friday's contest will be the final opportunity to truly prepare for the regular season. Most starters—if not all—will skip Week 4, allowing fringe players to make an NFL roster.
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For those out of network, the contest between New England and Carolina can be found here (requires free trial registration).
Preview
Game Time: 7:30 p.m. local time
Location: Bank of America Stadium
Weather: 82°F, Partly Cloudy
Odds: Panthers -1, per Bovada
Radio: New England (98.5 The Sports Hub); Panthers (1110 AM WBT)
Clete Blakeman, ref linked to Deflategate & disputed '13 finish, will work Pats-Panthers https://t.co/2mQO0M27QM pic.twitter.com/qbMHHSWh8Y
— Christopher Price (@cpriceNFL) August 28, 2015
Position Battles To Watch
Patriots: The return of Ryan Wendell to practice added intrigue to the guard position in New England. Rookies Tre Jackson and Shaq Mason have started at right and left guard, respectively, this preseason. With Wendell being cleared from the physically unable to perform list, the competition for a starting spot is in order Friday night.
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Panthers: Veteran Charles Johnson is a virtual lock as the team's top edge rusher. A rotation opposite Johnson opens the competition for Frank Alexander, Wes Horton, Mario Addison and Kony Ealy.
Performance To Examine
Having lost Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner in the offseason, the need for additional help in the secondary is paramount in New England. CB Tarell Brown has earned an opportunity. The 30-year-old wasn't even targeted as the nickel back against the Saints in preseason Week 2. With Robert McClain projected to start in the slot, Brown can solidify his place as Malcom Butler's opposite number.
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