Official website of the New England Patriots
Players to Watch: Patriots vs. Panthers
Patriots Football Weekly's Andy Hart gives you his players to watch during Monday night's matchup against the Carolina Panthers.
The Patriots third-down back is expected to return from injured reserve for just his second game this season after an impressive opening day effort. Vereen could be leaned on against Carolina's impressive front, especially if New England looks to spread the Panthers out.
New England's center, like many, is a bit undersized. He faces a challenge against impressive Panthers rookie Star Lotulelei in the middle of a very strong Carolina defensive front that will be looking to control the game.
No. 1 cornerback is likely to return and will be looking to knock some rust off against Steve Smith and the Panthers.
New England's third-round pick could make his first career NFL start in place of Steve Gregory, who was absent from practice this week. Harmon's work ethic has drawn rave reviews, but now he'll need to put that effort to use on the field.
As we learned earlier this year, Gronk is the centerpiece of the Patriots offense. Facing an impressive Panthers defense, Gronkowski will be leaned on in pass protection, run blocking, receiving and, maybe more importantly, in the red zone.
In his third season Newton is still developing as the leader of the Panthers. The unique, athletic quarterback can kill a defense in a variety of ways, as Bill Belichick alluded to this week, may be one of the most difficult players in the game to prepare for in practice action.
Carolina's No. 1 pick has started all nine games as a rookie and is making an impact in the interior. The big, athletic nose tackle is a challenge for the middle of the New England offensive line in both run blocking and pass protection.
Williams is the leader of the Panthers rushing game, although not Carolina's only option. New England's new-look run defense with Isaac Sopoaga has its hands full with Carolina's stable of runners.
The Boston College alum is already the star in the middle of the Panthers defense in just his second NFL season. Kuechly is not only the leading tackler for Carolina, but also makes a lot of plays in the passing game.
Carolina doesn't have a truly dominant No. 1 target in the passing game with Steve Smith showing his age a bit. But Olsen is a major part of the offense and could challenge the middle of a New England defense that could be without Steve Gregory.
