What We’re Looking For: Panthers – Preseason Game 5

Wow… 5 exhibition games. That surely takes it’s toll (and has) on any team. That’s why I feel this game is a partial dress rehearsal.

I felt last Saturday’s Bills game was not a dress rehearsal. Also keep in mind, the team has had little rest from Saturday’s road game to Thursday’s final preseason home stand. We saw 2 series from the Ben Roethlisberger and the core starters, before giving way to Michael Vick, who lived up to his billing on his very first snap as a Steeler.

That’s why I don’t think we’ll see Ben at all this week, nor should we be seeing Le’Veon Bell, Antonio Brown, etc. I would probably sit DeAngelo Williams out of injury fear as well, as the team desperately needs him to be healthy for the first two regular season games (and Williams himself hasn’t had a clean bill of health in the NFL.) I feel we’re going to see one half of Vick and a second half with Landry Jones. I feel Jones has already done enough to win a spot on the roster, but let’s see if his play continues an upward trend or not.

A number of WRs will be competing for a spot as well. We should see plenty of Shakim Phillips and Tyler Murphy, as C.J. Goodwin was cut from the team during the first wave of releases Tuesday. We should also see more of Jesse James at TE. (And how about Matt Spaeth showing some guts, even getting a flag against the Bills? Totally out of character for him, but I like what I’m seeing…)

Defense

With all of that in mind, don’t be surprised if it’s not a high scoring affair. Where I don’t want to see a high score, is from the Pittsburgh defense, who I do feel we will see a lot of Thursday night. If you recall, Mike Tomlin played many of his defensive starters well into the 3rd quarter of last preseason’s final game. With the rash of injuries and not getting all of the core defensive starters on the field at the same time, this game is a perfect opportunity to have a real dress rehearsal for the defense. I feel it’s time to unleash the hounds: if not, there are definitely some concerns (and particularly if that doesn’t work as anticipated in this game as well!)

Special Teams

Jordan Berry will be competing to win the punting job, while newcomer Josh Scobee (recently acquire in a trade with Jacksonville) will become the team’s 3rd kicker this preseason, after losing Shaun Suisham and Garrett Hartley to IR. I have high hopes for both of these special teamers, probably more than any of the other players who will see time in this capacity, fighting for a roster spot. Suisham had been one of the most consistent kickers in the league, and Berry, well, you can read how I feel about Brad Wing by clicking the link above.

The Carolina Panthers are another team full of questions, and lacking offensive weapons, I would hope the Steelers lay some points on them while showing us some defensive prowess. New England is waiting right around the corner, and while I don’t like showing Bill Bellichek our full hand, I wouldn’t mind flashing an ace at him either.