CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -About this time last year the Carolina Panthers played their third exhibition game and it set the tone for the season.
That night the tandem of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart eluded tackles, showed surprising speed and celebrated in the end zone during the Panthers’ 47-3 rout of Washington. They combined for 201 yards rushing, including touchdown runs of 60 and 50 yards, in a precursor of Carolina’s run-dominated 12-4 season.
On Saturday, 231 days after their last home game – a stunning playoff flop against Arizona – the Panthers (0-2) are looking for another breakout game on both sides of the ball in the only preseason game where the starters play into the second half.
It won’t be easy against the Baltimore Ravens (2-0), whose defense has already made it clear it’s still among the NFL’s best.
ves. You want established teams that are very good at what they do to see what you need to work on to get ready.”
In Saturday’s other games, it will be: Indianapolis at Detroit, New Orleans at Oakland, Buffalo at Pittsburgh, Tennessee at Cleveland, San Diego at Atlanta, the New York Jets at the New York Giants, San Francisco at Dallas, and Seattle at Kansas City.
Even though linebacker Terrell Suggs (Achilles’ tendon) hasn’t played a down in the preseason, nose tackle Kelly Gregg will sit out Saturday with a shoulder injury and the Ravens didn’t put in the typical game plan because of a short week, the Ravens are a confident bunch and looking to perfect their pass rush against the Panthers.
“You kind of want to make sure you have enough of it, but make sure you’re doing it the right way,” first-year defensive coordinator Greg Mattison said. “It gives you a great chance to see that in a preseason game.”
Baltimore may not get a chance to test its run defense against Williams or Stewart. Williams, who broke four tackles in a 25-yard touchdown run in last week’s loss to Miami, sat out practice Wednesday with a sore knee. He’ll be a game-time decision.
The bigger concern is Stewart, who missed his 16th straight practice Friday and will sit out his third game with a left Achilles’ tendon injury. Receiver Steve Smith could make his preseason debut as he recovers from a shoulder injury.
se, though, is where the injuries and worries are piling up for Carolina.
The loss of defensive tackle Maake Kemoeatu (torn Achilles’ tendon) has left the Panthers with a large hole in the run defense. The New York Giants (139 yards rushing) and Miami (141 yards) took advantage.
Middle linebacker Jon Beason (knee) and free safety Charles Godfrey (hand) were injured in Miami and won’t play Saturday. While the Ravens will again be without receiver Mark Clayton (hamstring), they’ll provide a test for Carolina’s young unit. Quarterback Joe Flacco is 17-of-35 for 223 yards in two games.
Julius Peppers will also play his first home game since he spent the offseason trying to leave Carolina. The four-time Pro Bowl pick decided against holding out, but has been a non-factor in two preseason games, with one tackle and no sacks.
Bills at Steelers
Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin dared to suggest his starters might see a territory rarely visited during the preseason: the second half.
If Tomlin doesn’t like what he sees, if quarterback Ben Roethlisberger hasn’t taken enough snaps or the defense isn’t playing to the level he expects, there’s a possibility his regulars may play past halftime.
Of concern for Buffalo is a no-huddle offense that, with starters in, has produced only 253 yards, 12 first downs, a field goal and no touchdowns.
es and will sit out Saturday because of a sprained toe.
Colts at Lions
Lions coach Jim Schwartz insisted the quarterback competition is “wide open,” even though he’s starting Daunte Culpepper for the third preseason game. Matthew Stafford will take over some time in the second quarter.
Receivers Calvin Johnson and Bryant Johnson along with first-round tight end Brandon Pettigrew are expected to play against Indianapolis after being sidelined by injuries.
Peyton Manning might end up playing more than normal. Colts coach Jim Caldwell said backup Jim Sorgi likely will not play because of strained right hamstring. Rookie Curtis Painter is the only other QB.
Titans at Browns
Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn head into Saturday night’s exhibition game against Tennessee deadlocked in their QB race.
Both players have started one preseason game, and although it’s Quinn’s turn to open the game, Browns coach Eric Mangini was not expected to announce who will get the first snaps against the Titans until an hour before kickoff.
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49ers at Cowboys
Manny Lawson and the 49ers are looking for more sacks after just one so far in the preseason – and that came when Oakland quarterback JaMarcus Russell got tripped up by teammate Darren McFadden.
Coach Mike Singletary has expressed concern about the lack of pressure by the defense this preseason, calling the pass rush “nonexistent” after a 17-16 win over Denver on Aug. 14. The No. 1 defense will get extended time together Saturday.
Seahawks at Chiefs
Defensive tackle Tank Tyler will rotate in and out what could be his final audition for the right to start in the middle of Kansas City’s new 3-4 defense.
Kansas City coach Todd Haley wants to see “fighting, scratching and clawing every play.”
Haley expects his starters, including quarterback Matt Cassel, would play into the third quarter.
Seahawks coach Jim Mora said his starters would also play into the third quarter. But whether Edgerrin James makes his Seattle debut will be a game-time decision. Julius Jones and second-year man Justin Forsett figured to get most of the carries.
Rookie linebacker Aaron Curry, the overall No. 4 pick last spring, was expected to play after missing last week with a groin strain.
Chargers at Falcons
Atlanta fans will get long looks at quarterback Matt Ryan, running back Michael Turner and receiver Roddy White.
a home game for 10-time Pro Bowl tight end Tony Gonzalez, who was acquired in the offseason.
The Chargers have a competition at right guard that includes former Falcons starter Kynan Forney, who is competing with rookie Louis Vasquez.
San Diego coach Norv Turner said he probably won’t choose between Forney and Vasquez until the week of the regular-season opener.
Jets at Giants
Newly announced Jets starter Mark Sanchez will be on display against the Giants’ Eli Manning.
The Giants are coming into the game off a poor performance in a 17-3 loss to Chicago. They will be without middle linebacker Antonio Pierce, who has been bothered by a sore foot, for the second straight game.
Starting guards Chris Snee and Rich Seubert are expected to play after missing last week.
Saints at Raiders
Reggie Bush has only three carries so far in the preseason, gaining 5 yards in the opener against Cincinnati before missing last week’s game in Houston with a strained right calf.
Pierre Thomas will miss this week’s game with a sprained knee, giving even more time to Mike Bell, who has been a star of training camp for the Saints.
Bell had 10 carries for 100 yards, including a 46-yard touchdown run in Houston last week, showing signs that he could be the power back the Saints are looking for to pair with Bush.
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