New England Patriots vs Carolina Panthers NFL Preview: Teams All Set for Super Bowl Rematch; Match Prediction, Roster and Live Streaming
Brady uncertain on stating lineup; Newton still on the rise
Two of football's biggest superstars will clash again on the field. The epic battle between New England Patriots and the Carolina Panthers is slated this coming Friday.
Peyton Manning retires
With the retirement of NFL star Peyton Manning from the league, there is no doubt as to who would eclipse his illustrious career. Big names such as Tom Brady of the New England Patriots and Cam Newton of the Carolina Panthers are surfacing as the best bets.
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Who to start?
The issues troubling the Patriots lineup, and just where the ceiling is for Newton, will bring flavor to their upcoming match up. Given the assumption that Tom Brady is coming off from his roughest year as a veteran, uncertainties are hovering over the team.
The 2015 Deflate-gate scandal, which alleged that the Patriots, including their star Brady, ruined the footballs used in their AFC championship matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, had him suspended for the first four games of the 2015 season.
With this reputation hanging above his legacy, Brady would have to fight back to reclaim his glory. One opportunity could be this first matchup with their fellow top-tier team in the third exhibition of the preseason. There is a catch in terms of powerplay because of the Patriots struggling with its quarterback.
The situation has become awkward for Brady and fellow QB Jimmy Garoppolo. The latter had started the first two games for New England. With Brady opting out of both games due to a family member's funeral and a thumb injury, it was not easy for the team.
Moreover, the suspensions crisis is anticipated to influence the gameplay. However, Brady did join the team on the trip to the game, making sure he plays in Friday's game. Nevertheless, Garoppolo is expected to stay in the field longer than Brady, and thus, more attention is on the younger player.
Newton's rise continues
Cam Newton, the undeniable superstar of the Carolina Panthers, is having an opposite year to Brady's. The quarterback had enjoyed his first MVP title in the 2015 season, and is still stepping up to the plate this preseason. Newton currently has the fourth-highest rating in his position at 126.6.
The accolade is well-earned—he is 13-of-18 passing for 198 yards, with one touchdown and zero interceptions. He still has the hot streak behind him. He also led the Panthers to a 15-1 record and landed them on the Super Bowl stage. 2015 which was a hard act to follow.
However, Newton does not even need to get better with the way he had established himself in the league. NFL fans can catch the two juggernauts collide Friday night, 7:30 p.m. ET on Panthers TV, or online with the NFL Game Pass.
