Redskins vs. Panthers Game Day Open Thread

If there is such a thing as a good preseason game, Saturday nights’ home game against the Redskins should be as close to  “good” as it gets. As expected for a third preseason game John Fox plans to play his 1^st teamers into the 3^rd quarter. The hope is that they play well enough to allow the bubble players the majority of the minutes in the final preseason game.

Having already faced the Colts and the Eagles, the Panthers continue their tough preseason warm-ups with the 2007 NFC Wild Card Redskins. Here’s a few things to keep an eye on during the game.

Redskins DE Jason Taylor vs. Panthers LT Jordan Gross – Gross will get a good test from Taylor as Taylor tries to impress his new team mates. A good showing against Taylor by Gross might quite the critics who claim Gross is better at RT.

Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart – Stewart should get extensive time with the first team offensive line. Panther fans are still waiting to see some of the skills that brought the RB to Carolina. We may not wait long to see him touch the ball as he may return a kick off or two as well.

Redskins QB Colt Brennan vs. the Panthers Defensive line – The Panthers will continue to work on their pass rush through blitzes, stunts and overloads. Brennan looked pretty good last week against second teamers but may see action against the Panthers first team this week depending on how long Jason Campbell gets work. For some reason all I remember of Brennan on the field is him getting his chest caved in against UGA in their bowl game. Maybe the Panthers can give him some flashbacks.

Panthers LB Landon Johnson – I think Johnson is a couple good plays from supplanting Na’il Diggs at SLB. He should be wound up tight and hitting people hard.

Panthers WR Dwayne Jarrett – After missing last weeks’ game Jarrett has yet another chance to claim the 3^rd WR spot. If DJ Hackett continues his vacation then who knows, Jarrett could end up at the #2 WR spot, at least for the first two games. Jarrett may see action against Redskins CB Carlos Rogers, who’s returning from knee surgery.

Redskins TE/HB Chris Cooley vs. the Panthers LB’s – In 2007 TE’s killed the Panthers over the middle of the field which is Cooley’s specialty. Cooley and the rookie TE Fred Davis will provide a good test for the Panthers supposedly upgraded LB corps.

Panthers QB Jake Delhomme – Jake hasn’t played bad but he hasn’t lit it up either. You can partially blame the Panthers vanilla playbook and just overall rust. I’m expecting a little more passing in this game as Jake tries to reestablish his rapport with his WR corps.