New England Patriots: Four Players To Watch Against Panthers
By Cyrus Geller
Aug 7, 2014; Landover, MD, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Ryan Mallett (15) hands the ball off to Patriots running back Stevan Ridley (22) against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
The New England Patriots face off with the Carolina Panthers tomorrow night, in what is the most important preseason game of the year. The two sides will have their starters play for an extended period of time, generally consisting of the entire first half.
This will be an important test for the Pats, specifically for the offensive line. Carolina’s front seven is one of, if not the best front in the league, as they led the league in sacks in 2013. I posted three early things to watch yesterday, and that piece can be read here. It will be important to monitor the interior of the offensive line, how the safety rotation works out, and Stevan Ridley, and the Pats stable of running backs. All three of those groups will play a big role in the success of this 2014 New England team.
Here are four players to keep an eye on as the game progresses.