Patriots Vs. Panthers Preseason Week 3: 5 Things To Know

FOXBOROUGH, MA — Regular season football is just two weeks away, and the New England Patriots take their next step in preparation at home tonight against the Carolina Panthers. Week 3 is often coined a dress rehearsal game and is widely considered the most important because its where the starters get most of their game action before the season. Here are five things to know:

Patriots-Panthers game information

The game begins at 7:30 p.m. You can watch the local broadcast on WBZ and listen on WBZ-FM (98.5) The Sports Hub.

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It's Tom Brady time!

Patriots Quarterback Tom Brady and the rest of the definite starters will take the field for the first time this preseason. With so many new faces at wide receiver and a new left tackle in Isaiah Wynn, it will be interesting to see how much the practice reps have paid off so far in building chemistry. It will also be intriguing to see how many reps camp standout Jacoby Meyers gets with the first team offense and if the young wideout has developed a rapport with Brady.

Will Jules Play?

Veteran wide receivers Julian Edelman and Demaryius Thomas practiced this week for the first time this summer. Edelman, the 33-year-old reigning Super Bowl MVP, suffered a thumb injury, and although its not clear if Brady's favorite target will play, if he's going to get any preseason action, tonight would be the night. The same goes for Thomas, who was activated from the physically unable to perform list, after recovering from a torn Achilles.

How will the defense look?

Through two preseason games, the Patriots backup defense, especially rookies like Chase Winovich and Joejuan Williams, looked dominant at times. After losing star defensive end Trey Flowers to free agency, this will be the first live game test for Devin McCourty, Stephon Gilmore, and the rest of the Patriots first team defense.

Can Goskowski hit the chip shots?

Stephen Goskowski has been a reliable kicker in New England for over a decade, but after missing two short field goals in the first two preseason games, there's been some nervousness among fans. Goskowski's roster spot is safe, as there's no other kickers in camp, but it would be nice to see him have a good night and shake off any rust before the regular season.