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The New England Patriots are taking a business trip to visit the Carolina Panthers for the third preseason game of the 2015 season. This is the second season in a row that the Patriots have faced the Panthers in the third preseason game.
In 2014, quarterback Tom Brady played the majority of the game, along with most of the offensive line and his wide receivers. Tight end Rob Gronkowski didn't play as he was recovering from an ACL injury. That said, Gronkowski hasn't been healthy the past two preseasons; when Gronkowski was healthy in 2011 and 2012, he took the field.
The Patriots and Panthers game is a pick'em, with the over/under set at 44.
The Panthers offense is decimated and Cam Newton is a mobile quarterback unlike any other in the league, so the Patriots defense will have an interesting game plan. Look for a heavy contain on the defensive front as the Patriots might not have to feature their nickel defense as heavily.
The Patriots offense should be better than it has been at any other point in the preseason due to the return of Julian Edelman, Aaron Dobson, and Scott Chandler, as well as the return of potential starter Ryan Wendell on the offensive line.