A week after their preseason-opening win, the Buffalo Bills are down in Charlotte to take on the Carolina Panthers. The overall outcome of the game is unimportant (which is why the Panthers are sitting Cam Newton and Luke Kuechly), but that doesn’t make it any less of a draw for Bills fans.
For the Bills, starting center Mitch Morse is close, but not quite there, to returning from his concussion rehab. With that in mind, this Panthers defense will be a great test for Buffalo’s upgraded offensive line. The Indianapolis Colts sat many starters last week, but talented players like Kawann Short, Gerald McCoy, and rookie edge rusher Brian Burns will give the Bills all they can.
Though Newton is out, this game could be a major test for Buffalo’s vaunted defense, as well. Curtis Samuel had multiple wins against Tre’Davious White in practice, but will he do the same in a live setting? How about talents like D.J. Moore, Greg Olsen, and Christian McCaffery? If we’re to see how Tremaine Edmunds, Matt Milano, and Taron Johnson have progressed, this is the time.
While Frank Gore may be taking a rare veteran respite from playing in this game, LeSean McCoy is set to make his preseason debut. We’ll also be seeing a healthy helping of rookies like Cody Ford, Devin Singletary, Tommy Sweeney, and Darryl Johnson.
The last time these teams met in the regular season, the Panthers narrowly escaped with a 10-9 victory, due to a dropped pass by rookie Zay Jones. Last year, the Panthers won the preseason opener, 28-23.
Discuss the game below. Go Bills!