Last season's matchup between the Carolina Panthers and New England Patriots featured one of the more controversial calls of the year as cam Newton accounted for three touchdowns beating Tom Brady's team. This year, both teams return looking to capitalize off the success they gained towards the end of 2013. The Panthers come in with a much better defense while the Patriots have a new arsenal of wide receivers ready to be put to the test before 2014 really begins.
The Patriots biggest question marks still remain on offense. The team is trying to figure out a functional running back rotation. Stevan Ridley enters the season as the presumed starter, but ball security is once again becoming an issue. Ridley was benched several times last season for the issue at the start of the year, but improved as the games went on. He is having the issue once again. He played 16 snaps on Friday and his final one was a fumble, ending his night. With Brandon Boldin having improved over the offseason, Ridley's starting spot could be in jeopardy.
The defensive front is also going to be challenged with the solid run game of the Panthers. Players like Donta Hightower, Vince Wilfork and Jerod Mayo will get a solid test against a strong running back and the legs of Newton. The Panthers push a strong downhill run game that could challenge the size of the Patriots. The team looked solid last week against the Philadelphia Eagles and LeSean McCoy and they aim to capitalize off that against the Panthers.
Carolina is still working on offensive chemistry. Newton is back to full practice after recovering from ankle surgery and now he is trying to build chemistry with the wide receiver corps. Rookie Kelvin Benjamin looks strong through two games as Newton stresses the two players are working together every practice. Jerricho Cotchery and Jason Avant are the veterans of the group and fighting for roster spots. Carlina needs all the receivers they can get so finding the right match during the preseason will be crucial.
