The Patriots enter Week 3 of the preseason in a much different place than in years past. They are likely to start the regular season without Tom Brady as their starting quarterback for the first time in 14 seasons, meaning Jimmy Garoppolo needs some work before the curtain raises in two weeks.
ODDS
After opening as a toss-up, the line quickly shifted in favor of the Panthers as 1-point chalk. The total is high at 44.5 but the Panthers have been able to cash the over in their first two preseason games.
QUARTERBACK ROTATION
With no resolution as of yet to the Tom Brady suspension, the Patriots must move forward expecting their three-time MVP to be out for four games once the regular season starts. Therefore, Jimmy Garoppolo will get most of the reps against the Panthers as he prepares for the starting role in the Pats first quarter of the 2015 season. Garoppolo had a strong game against the Saints, completing 28 of 33 passes for 269 yards, leading five Patriots’ scoring drives in a comeback win. Brady will continue to fight his suspension in court until a ruling is made, making cameo appearances at practice and staying sharp until his time comes. Meanwhile, Ryan Lindley, who signed with the club on Aug. 10, should be up to speed enough to get his first game reps.
Coach Ron Rivera said in no uncertain terms the Panthers would carry three quarterbacks into the regular season. Not because Cam Newton and Derek Anderson are in danger of losing their job, but because third-stringer Joe Webb has value at receiver after the loss of Kelvin Benjamin. Webb played the entire second half last week directing a Panthers comeback win throwing for 131 yards and a touchdown. Newton struggled against the Dolphins and will likely get first half snaps to work on getting the offense in sync. Anderson will cover the rest while Webb works with the special teams and takes reps at receiver.
COACHES' MOTIVATION
The Carolina Panthers have emphasized improving their third-down efficiency offensive and defensively throughout training camp. From that perspective, last week’s win over Miami was a failure. The first-team defense gave up for third-down conversions on six Miami attempts. The first-team offense converted on third down only once in four tries and put up no points. One of those attempts was a third-and-goal from the two. “The first units were not good enough. That disappoints me,” coach Ron Rivera said.
QUOTE TO NOTE
“Having those guys on the outside makes life easy sometimes and they get their targets. They make life easier. But you can’t go in with a one-man focus. I think that’s been one of our strengths over the last couple of years and that’s why particular guys have had success.” – Panthers tight end Gregg Olson on the loss of receiver Kelvin Benjamin
POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH
Coach Bill Belichik added a new wrinkle to the battle for the Patriots cornerback spots. A storyline all training camp has been who replaces Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner as the starting 1-2 combination after both bolted during the offseason. Malcolm Butler has consistently been the top option at left cornerback and, assuming good health, he’s locked in. That leaves third-year player Logan Ryan and veteran Tarell Brown as the top candidates on the right. Belichick worked starting safety Devin McCourty at corner during recent practices and during last week’s game with New Orleans.
INJURIES
Veteran New England receiver Brandon Gibson, who is making a run for a roster spot, injured his knee late in last week’s game in New Orleans.
Panthers defensive end Frank Alexander was lost for the season with a torn Achilles, suffered in last week’s game with Miami. He’s the second projected starter Carolina has lost in the past week after top receiver Kelvin Benjamin suffered a torn ACL in practice. Center Ryan Kalil was also injured in the Dolphins game, leaving with a knee issues.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
The Patriots will take positives out of Garoppolo’s work last week against the Saints’ reserve defenders and hope that translates into more success and confidence for the quarterback. Remember he looked lost getting shut down by Green Bay in the preseason opener. With Brady’s suspension hearing still not resolved, the Pats need to move forward with Garoppolo as their starter and his progression will continue against a Panthers squad that has plenty to figure out before the season starts.
New England 27, Carolina 21
BookMaker sent out the NFL betting odds for this Sunday game at Panthers -X with a total of XX. Since this game can be seen by anyone with a TV, BookMaker will have a multitude of wagering options available for it. Outside of the normal lines, you can gamble on real-time odds and player props during the game. Live betting is open during every commercial break!
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