Most preseason games are meaningless and boring. This week should be the exception to the rule. The Panthers face their first real test of 2019 on Thursday night when they visit the Patriots in Foxborough. Cam Newton, Luke Kuechly and the starters are expected to play and we will get a much better idea of how good this team is going into the regular season.
It’s also the best opportunity for guys fighting for a roster spot to make their case. Here are seven players who need to have a strong game.
QBs Kyle Allen, Will Grier
Through two preseason games, neither Allen nor Grier have done much to help themselves in the QB2 competition. Allen hasn’t thrown two terrible interceptions like Grier, but he also has a lot more experience and therefore less room for error. Taylor Heinicke looked about 50 times more ready to backup Newton last week against the Bills than either of them. If that trend continues against the Patriots, Heinicke will likely win the battle. The Panthers aren’t going to carry four quarterbacks, so somebody is going to get cut. Allen and Grier have to play much better or it’s probably going to be one of them.
WR Aldrick Robinson
Another interesting position battle to watch as the preseason winds down is the sixth wide receiver spot. Rashad Ross and Terry Godwin have both flashed, but we have yet to see Robinson really make an impression. Since he’s not involved in the kick/punt returner competition, Robinson has to prove he’s a significantly better option as a receiver. History says Robinson can be an effective red zone weapon, but that won’t be enough to save his roster spot. Greg Olsen and Chris Hogan are more capable in that area, so Robinson has his work cut out for him to make the team.
C Matt Paradis
The starting offensive line unit looked atrocious against Buffalo. There’s simply no other way to state it. As Tywin Lannister would put it, when soldiers lack discipline the fault is with their leader. That puts the pressure on offensive line coach John Matsko and starting center Matt Paradis to get this group back on point. Paradis should prove to be an upgrade over Ryan Kalil. Playing center is about more than just performing, though. He has a big pair of cleats to fill.
ILBs Jermaine Carter Jr., Andre Smith
With Luke Kuechly and Shaq Thompson sitting out last week, Carolina got a good look at its backup inside linebackers. It didn’t go so well. Carter and Smith were abused in coverage several times, raising questions about the team’s depth at a position that was its greatest strength not too long ago. If these two continue to flounder, it will open the door for a guy like undrafted rookie Jordan Kunaszyk to steal a roster spot.
DE Bryan Cox Jr.
Finally, the Panthers’ pass rush has looked pretty strong this preseason. Mario Addison and Bruce Irvin are locked in as the starters and Brian Burns and Marquis Haynes have performed at a high level. That doesn’t leave much room for the other edge rushers fighting for playing time. Cox didn’t help his case by getting cited for possession and speeding last week, either. If he doesn’t flash against New England, he might well be included in the first round of roster cuts.
