The way the Carolina Panthers see it, playing the New England Patriots this week is a blessing in disguise.
They get to roll out their most in-depth game plan of the preseason against one of the league’s top teams, and it doesn’t even count. They can troubleshoot mistakes that won’t stick to their stat sheets.
Coaches around the league call the third game of the preseason a “dress rehearsal,” because it’s the most complete version of the team shown before the season opener.
Well, this matchup in particular is like going from a third-grade production of “Cats” to the dress rehearsal for “Hamilton.