NFL Preseason Preview: Panthers vs Ravens

This Thursday, the Carolina Panthers go to Baltimore to take on the Ravens. The game starts at 8:00 PM (ET) on ESPN.

It has been an interesting offseason for the Carolina Panthers. They cut Jake Delhomme and made Matt Moore the starter. They lost Julius Peppers to free agency. The Panthers also drafted former Notre Dame quarterback Jimmy Clausen.

Clausen, who is currently third on the QB depth chart, can probably move up with a couple of strong performances this preseason. Baltimore isn't a bad place to start.

The Panthers have four quarterbacks on their roster, and all of them have potential.

The Panthers haven't named their No. 2 receiver yet. Brandon Lafell, Armanti Edwards, and Dwayne Jarrett are competing for the No. 2 spot.

Lafell and Edwards were both drafted in the third round. Lafell had 175 receptions, 2,517 receiving yards, and 25 career touchdowns at LSU.

Edwards was a quarterback at Appalachian State. He may have never played receiver in college, but he is athletic enough to play the position.

Jarrett was the Panthers second round pick in the 2007 draft. Jarrett is USC's all time leader in receptions and is the Pac 10's (or Pac 12's) all time leader in touchdown receptions.

Panthers player with most to lose: Dwayne Jarrett

Jarrett has more to lose because of the expectations. He is in his third year as a pro and has basically done nothing as the No. 3 receiver. Coming out of college, Jarett was being compared to Keyshawn Johnson. So far, he has been Mike Williams.

If Jarrett can't compete with a rookie, then don't be surprised if his career with the Panthers is over.

I forgot to talk about the Ravens. The Ravens now have the No. 1 receiver they've been looking for in Anquan Boldin. With Boldin at the No. 1 spot, and Derrick Mason at the No. 2 spot, I wouldn't be surprised if the Ravens were a top 10 offensive team.

Ravens player with most to lose: Mark Clayton

Clayton has been a very inconsistent No. 2 receiver. If he does not succeed as a No. 3 receiver, then he might be looking for another job.

Prediction: Panthers 26, Ravens 20

Player of the game: Brandon Lafell