3 Panthers to watch during tonight’s preseason game against the Patriots

Starters usually get the most playing time in the third preseason game of the year, so tonight’s home game against the New England Patriots is a great chance to see how the first unit will fare this season.

Panthers coach Ron Rivera said Cam Newton and Luke Kuechly and the gang should play into the third quarter Friday night against the New England Patriots.

Who should you be watching? Three recommendations:

(1) Cam Newton, quarterback

Newton had his ribs cracked at the end of a scramble in the third exhibition last year at New England. Newton wants to jump-start a sluggish first-team offense that has managed only seven points in seven possessions during the first two exhibitions. But he doesn’t need to take any unnecessary hits by scrambling or leaping over the pile at the goal line.

(2) Corey Brown, wide receiver

Panthers coach Ron Rivera was disappointed none of his receivers stepped up against Miami last week after Kelvin Benjamin’s season-ending knee injury. Brown had chances vs. the Dolphins, but had two drops, including one in the end zone. He needs a much better performance.

(3) Kony Ealy, defensive end

Ealy seems to offer the most upside among the players vying for the starting spot at right defensive end, but consistency has been the issue. If Ealy can generate pressure against a stout Patriots offensive line, it bodes well for last year’s second-round pick from Missouri.

Photos: David T. Foster III/Charlotte Observer; Jeff Siner/Charlotte Observer

This story was originally published August 27, 2015 at 10:25 PM with the headline "3 Panthers to watch during tonight’s preseason game against the Patriots."