4 things to look for in Patriots' Week 3 preseason matchup vs. Panthers

The preseason is off to a great start for the New England Patriots, as they have taken care of their two road games with wins over the Detroit Lions and Tennessee Titans. The past two preseason contests have mostly been an opportunity for the new players to showcase what they can offer to the team. Now, we will begin to see a mix of the recent additions to New England's squad, as well as the proven players that we are all accustomed to seeing during the regular season.

As the Patriots return to Gillette Stadium and welcome in the Carolina Panthers, here are four areas of interest to keep an eye on.

4) Jake Bailey's Punts

There is certainly a sadness that comes with the release of Ryan Allen, the former New England punter who was released this past week. Allen was a part of three Super Bowl wins during his time in Foxborough and kicked a number of game-altering punts that set up New England's defense for success. While it is tough to see Allen go, it is easy to be excited for his successor.

The Patriots drafted Jake Bailey, the former Stanford punter, in the 5th round of this year's draft and his performance last week against the Titans might have been just enough for Bill Belichick to make the decision to let go of Allen and make Bailey the guy. Last week in Tennessee, Bailey kept two punts up in the air for over five seconds and also free-kicked the ball 67 yards following the Patriots' self-inflicted safety. You never wish to see your team's punter come on to the field, because that means your offense stalled, but when the special teams unit does indeed come on to the field, keep an eye on Bailey's punts.

3) The Rookies

The Patriots' rookies, specifically Jakobi Meyers, Damien Harris, Jarrett Stidham and Chase Winovich, have had great starts to their time in New England.

In his two preseason games so far, Stidham has thrown for a combined 372 yards and two touchdowns and has put together some great drives. Jakobi Meyers, perhaps the most talked about Patriot in the past couple of weeks, has proven he is a worthy of a spot on the 53-man roster. In his first two preseason games, he has 12 receptions for 151 yards and two touchdowns. Harris had a great game running the ball last week against the Titans and he should develop into a beast in an already loaded backfield. Finally, Winovich has shown he can get to the opposing teams quarterback multiple times every game.

All four of these rookies have done a great job proving their worth in the chances they have been given thus far. Now, it will be interesting to see how they fit in playing with the Patriots' best players and against the Panthers' best players.

2) Tom Brady

Quarterback, Tom Brady is expected to finally get some snaps under center against the Panthers. These summer months have been filled with questions regarding no. 12's future in New England; however, It has been made clear that all focus is on this year and nothing beyond that.

Brady has reportedly looked solid in practices throughout the summer, but now it is time to see him back in game-action. There are a number of new faces in the Patriots' passing game and it will be interesting to see who Brady looks for early on and seems to have a connection with. Thursday night's preseason matchup vs. the Panthers might give us the best idea of what heights this passing game may be able to reach in 2019.

1) The Finally-Forming Wide Receiver Core

This past week has been filled with news regarding New England's receivers. Josh Gordon has been conditionally reinstated, Julian Edelman and Demaryius Thomas have returned to practice, and journeyman receiver Dontrelle Inman asked if he could be released, and he was. The position is finally starting to shape out after weeks upon weeks of wondering who Brady is going to throw the ball to.

We know Gordon will not be playing vs. the Panthers, but aside from him, expect to see anything from the wideouts. Regardless if Edelman plays in this game, we know he is the leader of the group. As for the two standout rookies, N'keal Harry and Meyers, they seem to have already shown enough to grab a spot on the official roster. After that, there is more that needs to be seen from everyone, and it will be even more meaningful if the balls are coming from Brady's arm.

This is still a very deep group, but if someone does not show enough in just this game alone, it could be enough for them to be cut. It is time to answer some of the questions regarding Brady's targets in the New England's air attack.

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