Carolina Panthers vs. Miami Dolphins: Preview of the Preseason Matchup

It's no surprise to see Carolina Panthers WR Steve Smith talking trash to the opposing CB.

And, when you tune into the Panthers and Miami Dolphins on Friday, you'll most likely see that from Mr. Smith.

It's definitely going to be an overall interesting game, as well, to say the least.

Both teams are having QB competitions, regardless of whether they choose to acknowledge/admit it or not, and everyone knows it.

That said, there's also some changes that will be under the microscope as the preseason progresses.

So, here's a preview of the Carolina-Miami game on Friday night.

Game Information

When: Friday, Aug. 19, 2011

Where: Sun Life Stadium, Miami, Fla.

Time: 7:30 PM Kickoff

TV: NFL Network Replay @ 1 PM on Saturday, Panthers TV, Fox Miami

Radio: 1110 WBT Carolina, 560 WQAM Miami, Sirius XM 91

Carolina Panthers: Offseason Changes

Key Acquisitions: Rookie QB Cam Newton via NFL Draft, TE Jeremy Shockey, TE Greg Olsen, K Olindo Mare

Key Re-Signings: RB DeAngelo Williams, LB Jon Beason

Misc.: Ron Rivera Head Coach, Mike Shula QB Coach, Rickey Proehl Offensive Consultant

Key Departures: TE Dante Rosario 

Miami Dolphins: Offseason Changes

Key Acquisitions: RB Reggie Bush, Rookie OL Mike Pouncey via NFL Draft, OL Marc Colombo, LB Jason Taylor, QB Matt Moore

Key Re-signings: OL Richie Incognito, DL Tony McDaniel

Misc.: Head Coach Tony Sparano (two-year contract), Brian Cox Pass-Rush coach, Ike Hilliard Assistant WR Coach

Key Departures: RB Ricky Williams, RB Ronnie Brown, QB Chad Pennington, LB Channing Crowder (retired)

Panthers Last Week

NFL Preseason Week 1

Carolina Panthers 20 New York Giants 10

Panthers' Notable Statistics

Cam Newton: 8-of-19 for 134 yards

Jimmy Clausen: 4-of-7 for 69 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT

DeAngelo Williams: 4 carries for 23 yards

Mike Goodson: 8 carries for 30 yards

Greg Olsen: 3 receptions for 58 yards and 1 TD

Defense:

LB Thomas Williams: 7 tackles, 1 sack

DB Sean Considine: 6 tackles

DB Jordan Pugh: 2 tackles, 1 sack

Dolphins Last Week

NFL Preseason Week 1

Miami Dolphins 28 Atlanta Falcons 23

Dolphins' Notable Statistics

Matt Moore: 11-of-18 for 123 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT

Chad Henne: 4-of-8 for 77 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs

Roberto Wallace: 3 receptions for 60 yards, 1 TD

Brian Hartline: 1 reception for 44 yards, 1 TD

Defense:

LB A.J. Edds: 6 tackles, 1 sack

DB Jimmy Wilson: 5 tackles, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble

What to Watch For: Cam Newton's Progression

Cam Newton had a solid performance in his first live NFL game and is looking to build on that in game two.

Here's the kicker: He's getting the nod as the starting QB, so now there's a little bit of added pressure.

It'll be interesting to how he sets up in the pocket while trying not to worry about a starting NFL pass rush coming at him, in turn keeping his eyes downfield, knowing when to buy time with his feet, and, dare I say, run.

This game is where he takes the next step. The question is, "In what direction?"

However, Newton answered all critics in college and has done so thus far in the NFL, so don't be surprised if he one-ups his previous performance.

What to Watch For: Chad Henne's Decision Making

There is definitely some added pressure on Chad Henne this week.

Despite not playing too well in the preseason opener, he's the starter in Miami... for now.

The only way Henne is going to keep the critics at bay will be to improve that questionable decision-making ability of his.

He got outperformed last week by Matt Moore, and the Miami fans are breathing down his neck.

Even though it's a preseason game, it could be the most important contest to this point in Chad Henne's pro career.

What to Watch For: Miami Rushing Attack

Sure, the pictured Jake Long is on the PUP list, but if the Dolphins want to have any success this year or be respectable, at the very least, the ground game is crucial.

Not to mention, a solid rushing attack usually coincides with a solid passing attack, and vice versa.

The thing is that Reggie Bush is not a true Brahma Bull, and although he's their most explosive RB, he's not going to do them any good as a dive/trap/counter-play RB.

So, the offensive line and other RBs must step it up and make a statement.

Otherwise, Miami becomes one dimensional.

Position Battle: Carolina QBs

Let's face it: Derek Anderson or Tony Pike are not going to be in any kind of starting-QB race in Carolina.

Regardless of how healthy they are, the battle is between rookie Cam Newton and sophomore Jimmy Clausen.

Obviously, with Newton getting the start this week, he's going to be once again under the spotlight, whereas Clausen must significantly outperform him to remain even relevant in the eyes of the Panthers faithful.

Chances are Cam wins, but don't expect Clausen to just give up.

He'll go down swinging.

Position Battle: Miami QBs

The Dolphins released Chad Pennington, which although was the correct decision since he's injured, only makes this preseason a QB competition.

And, whether coach Tony Sparano wants to admit it or not, there is a QB controversy in South Florida.

Henne has been under scrutiny for what's seemed like, well, since he was drafted by Miami, while Matt Moore showed a brief window of solid play when given the opportunity in Carolina.

Now, whether Henne plays well is a separate story because a lot will also be focused on Matt Moore's performance.

No matter how well Henne plays, if he is once again outplayed by Moore, the story about who should start in Week 1 will become even hotter.

My gut says Matt Moore wins the starting job as Chad Henne has underperformed too many times for the number of opportunities he's had.

Player to Watch: Miami QB Matt Moore

No surprise here.

Miami fans will be extremely disappointed if Moore doesn't play well on Friday night because that would only give coach Tony Sparano more incentive to keep Chad Henne as the starter.

This game could be a selling point for Moore as he has displayed decent play a few times in his career. He also has a higher potential than Henne, but this season is his first shot at winning a starting job prior to the regular season.

It's reasonable to suspect that Moore is feeling a little but of added pressure, mixed with some anxiety and adrenaline.

Nonetheless, this is a big opportunity for him, and he must deliver for a chance to win the starting job.

Prediction

Cam Newton shows why he should become the starting QB in Carolina for Week 1, while Jimmy Clausen also plays rather well.

In the long run, don't be surprised if a franchise makes a move for Clausen as he does have a solid upside.

As for Miami, the run game continues to struggle, but Chad Henne slighty improves from last week since he knows that the window is closing fast.

Matt Moore, however, lights up the stat-book and forces coach Tony Sparano to make some changes.

And, since the 'Fins must rely on their passing game, Carolina wins in the end

Panthers 28 Dolphins 21