Here are three things to watch for Friday (7:30 p.m., WBZ-4) when the Patriots take on the Panthers in Charlotte. Look for Preseason NFL Live Stream Patriots Panthers info at the bottom.
Preseason NFL Live Stream Patriots Panthers – Free
As far as preseason opponents go, the Panthers are a solid foe for the Pats – particularly in the most important game of the exhibition slate. Carolina was a playoff team last year, losing to the Saints in the wild card round. The Panthers are the definition of a balanced team, having ranked 12th in the NFL in scoring last season (22.7 points per game) and having ranked 11th in points allowed (20.4 points per game).
So the Pats will see a quality opponent in Week 3 of the preseason and will face top-notch starters like quarterback Cam Newton and linebacker Luke Kuechly.
There are no cupcakes on the Patriots’ schedule in the early-going of the regular season with Houston, Jacksonville and Detroit all on the docket. Facing Carolina this week should prove to be beneficial.
Preseason NFL Live Stream Patriots Panthers – Free
The Patriots do not have elite talent at the running back position or the receiver position, outside of Julian Edelman. What they do have is depth, depth and more depth – which has been a staple of Bill Belichick’s Pats teams.
So far this preseason, the Patriots have five running backs who have rushed for over 35 yards total. They have none who have rushed for over 82 yards total. Friday night will be an opportunity for Jeremy Hill (17 carries for 82 yards in the preseason), Mike Gillislee (23 carries for 65 yards), Ralph Webb (19 carries for 61 yards), Brandon Bolden (three carries for 35 yards) and James White (four carries for 31 yards) to separate themselves from the pack.
With first round pick Sony Michel and veteran Rex Burkhead coming back from injury soon, the running back field will become even more crowded.
Receiver is another position where there is a boatload of B-minus talent. Cordarrelle Patterson has so far looked like much more than a special teams ace, but players like Eric Decker, Devin Lucien, Phillip Dorsett and Braxton Berrios will want to have strong performances Friday night if they want to secure a spot.
Preseason NFL Live Stream Patriots Panthers – Free
It’s not a great idea to read too much into preseason stats and records but the past two preseasons have been a decent indicator of how well the Patriots defense would play in the real season.
Two years ago the Pats went 3-1 in the preseason and allowed just 19.5 points per game. They went on to win the Super Bowl over Atlanta thanks in large part to their defense, which ranked No. 1 in the NFL in points allowed that season (15.6 points per game).
Last year the Pats had an ugly preseason, going 1-3 and giving up 31.5 points per game. The defense ultimately wound up being shredded by the likes of Blake Bortles and Nick Foles in the playoffs, and that sixth Lombardi Trophy was put on hold.
The Pats defense has looked plenty shaky at times this preseason, but they are at least keeping opponents out of the end zone. New England has allowed just 18.5 points per game this August.
Here are options to live stream the Patriots Panthers game. These will be updated closer to kickoff Friday.
Preseason NFL Live Stream Patriots Panthers 1
Preseason NFL Live Stream Patriots Panthers 2
Preseason NFL Live Stream Patriots Panthers 3
