Giants vs. Panthers: NFL Preseason TV Schedule, Radio, Live Streaming and More

Where: Charlotte’s Bank of America Stadium

When:  Saturday, August 13, 8 p.m EST.

Watch:  Fox Charlotte/WCCB-TV (North Carolina); online at NFL.com (must pay $19.99 for full league-wide package), live look-ins on NFL Network; replay on NFL Network, Sunday at 1 p.m. EST

Hear: CBS-FM 101.1 New York, 1110 AM WBT Charlotte

The New York Giants and Carolina Panthers will kick-start their 2011 season on Saturday night in Charlotte in a game that features a number of intriguing storylines.

The biggest story that people will be paying attention to in the preseason game on Saturday night is Cam Newton.

The top pick in the 2011 NFL draft will see action in an NFL game for the first time, and he has a chance to become the starter for this team right away, if he plays well enough and Jimmy Clausen plays like Jimmy Clausen.

The Giants, on the other hand, are pretty much set on what they are going to go with. The only real drama for this team is off the field, regarding Osi Umenyiora and his contract status.

But even if he doesn’t play for this team again, that defensive line has so much talent and depth that they will be at or near the top of the league in sacks. 

Giants' Key Addition—David Baas, C

The Giants have made quite a few changes to the offensive line this offseason, including releasing Shaun O'Hara and Rich Seubert, and they had a lot of work to do in order to keep Eli Manning upright. Baas is not an All-Pro caliber player, but he is a solid center who stays healthy. He has played in every game each of the last two years. 

Panthers' Key Addition—Cam Newton, QB

There is really no one else that this can be besides Newton. He was picked based on what he did at Auburn last year, and the potential that he will help revolutionize the quarterback position in the NFL. He has to develop into the quarterback that the team thinks he is, or else they will have a lot more two-win seasons ahead of them. 

Giants' Biggest Loss—Steve Smith, WR

The Giants have a good group of wide receivers, but Smith was probably the most underrated of the group. He battled injuries last year, which killed his value in free agency, but when he is healthy, he is a legitimate No. 2 receiver. 

Panthers' Biggest Loss—Matt Moore, QB

The Panthers thought highly enough of Matt Moore that they named him the starter heading into last season. He struggled and battled injuries last year, but he is a capable backup. With Jimmy Clausen looking like a potential bust and Cam Newton needing time before he is ready, Moore would have been a nice insurance policy for this team for at least one more year. 

What They're Saying

Panthers quarterbacks coach Mike Shula spoke to Scott Fowler of the Charlotte Observer about what Cam Newton should expect in his rookie season.  

“Like Jimmy, he has a really good grasp of our concepts," Shula said. "Both of them have good vision. Cam, because he’s so big, one of his assets is that he sees things really quickly. Like most rookies, he, is getting used to speed of the defense, and the disguised coverages, and trying to react quicker to what he sees.”

Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News writes that the Giants and Osi Umenyiora are on the verge of making up, and "if all goes well [at his doctor's visit], Umenyiora will be cleared to practice and will return to the field on Monday..." 

What's Worth Watching

Obviously, the debut of Cam Newton is going to be the top story in this game. All eyes will be focused on seeing how he handles his first snaps as a professional. We won't really know, one way or another, if he is capable of starting right away, but the future of the Panthers will finally be on display for all to see. 

Biggest Storyline

The quarterback battle between Newton, Clausen and Derek Anderson. The Panthers are not going to be good this year, but they need someone to play quarterback. If one guy impresses in this game, they will have a leg up on the other two guys as we move deeper into the preseason. 

For More NFL Preseason News, Check Out Our Bleacher Report NFL Page.