Panthers Handled by Patriots

If the Carolina Panthers' performance on Friday night is any indication of how the regular season might go, fans are in for a long season.

The Panthers were handled by the New England Patriots 30-7 to fall to 1-2 in the preseason.

Carolina didn't score until there was only 1:12 left in the game. Backup quarterback Joe Webb threw a three-yard touchdown pass to backup tight end D.C. Jefferson to keep the team from being shut out.

Cam Newton played for the entire first half and for the first series in the 3rd quarter, but was unable to get anything going. He completed 8 out of 12 passes for only 88 yards and was sacked three times.

On one play, Newton took off after being unable to find a receiver. After getting 7 yards, he was tackled and appeared hurt. He missed one play, then returned to the action. It was found after the game that he had suffered a back contusion after getting x-rays on his back done. Fortunately, the x-rays came back negative and Newton will be fine.

However, the play should make the team and fans wary. The offensive line was a complete letdown in this game, giving up 3 sacks and allowing the Patriots to get pressure on the quarterbacks all night. The line was also unable to help the run game at all, as the linemen weren't able to open any gaps and got beat off the snap all game long. As a team, the Panthers ran the ball 22 times for only 63 yards.

Meanwhile, the defense was just as disappointing as the offense. The Panthers gave up 30 points one time last season, in a 31-13 loss to the New Orleans Saints. That includes preseason and postseason as well. The biggest setback for the Panthers' defense was the poor play in the secondary. Corners were getting beat and safeties weren't giving help over the top. The New England quarterbacks shredded the secondary for 323 yards and 3 touchdowns. Perhaps the biggest letdown in the secondary was Antoine Cason, who has had a great offseason and performed well in the first two preseason games. This game, however, was much different, as Cason couldn't keep up and got beat all night. A week ago, he was looking like he could be the number one cornerback. Now he looks as though he'll be fighting for his job.

As bad as this game was, there were a few bright spots. Rookie wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin had 5 catches for 47 yards. Not big numbers, but he was consistent and has stayed consistent over the course of the preseason. He and Newton are building a rapport that will be exciting to watch in the regular season. Benjamin is looking as though he could be the number one receiver for this team.

Linebackers Thomas Davis and Luke Kuechly looked great as per usual. Arguably the best linebacker duo in the NFL, these two together anchor the defense, and if they can both stay healthy, the defense should be okay. They combined for 11 tackles.

The Panthers' final preseason game is Thursday, August 28 at the Pittsburgh Steelers at 7:30.