Panthers vs. Bengals: TV Schedule, Radio, Online Live Streaming Info, Game Time

Where: Paul Brown Stadium; Cincinnati, Ohio

When: Thursday, Aug. 25 at 7 p.m. EST

Watch: Panthers: PANTHERS TV. Bengals: WKRC LOCAL 12. Online at NFL.com (must pay $19.99 for full league-wide package); live look-ins on the NFL Network; game replay Saturday, Aug. 27 at 10 a.m. on the NFL Network

Listen: Panthers: 1110 AM WBT, Sirius: 85. Bengals: ESPN 1530, 102.7 FM WEBN, Sirius: 93.

Cam Newton hasn't earned the Carolina Panthers' starting quarterback job yet. But a game with the Cincinnati Bengals is all he needs.

There legitimately hasn't been a worse football team throughout the preseason than the Bengals.

Rookie Andy Dalton has been battered, beaten and bloodied. And it certainly doesn't help that his weapons can't hold on to the ball at all either.

The Panthers have been bad too, but not nearly as bad. If you are looking for an exciting battle between two teams playing for drafting positions already, then look no further.

And if you are a fan of either team, there is a lot to be excited about also.

Panthers' Key Addition: Cam Newton, QB

The No. 1 overall pick hasn't been announced as the starter yet, but that is a mere formality. Jimmy Clausen has had his chance(s) and unfortunately done nothing with it. Newton may wear No. 2 on his jersey, but he's this team's No. 1 option.

Bengals' Key Addition: A.J. Green, WR

If and when this team settles down at the quarterback position, A.J. Green is going to be a star. The No. 4 overall pick is supremely talented and just needs someone to put the ball in his vicinity. Hopefully it is Dalton, but only time will tell.

Panthers' Biggest Loss: Richard Marshall, CB

You can never consider someone a terribly bad loss after the season the Panthers had a year ago, but Richard Marshall was a loss none the less. The cornerback is vastly underrated throughout the league and was simply a solid player. They don't have anyone to replace him.

Bengals' Biggest Loss: Carson Palmer, QB and Jonathan Joseph, CB

Is it a loss when the owner forces his franchise quarterback into retirement? In this case it is, and Palmer is only one of many losses the Bengals have suffered. They let Joseph walk away for more money and have already regretted it by signing Nate Clements in his stead. Enough said.

What They're Saying:

The Charlotte Observer is saying:

"

Newton has not been intercepted in the two exhibitions. But he's looked uncomfortable in the pocket at times, and has struggled with his accuracy—particularly on deep outs. But he should be helped this week with the return of veteran wideout Steve Smith, who missed the first two preseason games. Smith and Newton worked out privately during the lockout, and stayed late after Monday's practice for a throwing session that receiver Legedu Naanee also attended.

"

The Cincinnati Enquirer is saying:

"

Consistency from the offense as a whole is something that must be better accomplished on Thursday when the Bengals host Carolina. Green and Simpson combined for only one catch and Benson (seven carries, 14 yards) had only six yards on his last five carries. The running game, as a whole, averaged 2.1 yards per carry.

"

Panthers Player to Watch: Cam Newton, QB

This is an obvious one. The team and fans want to see Newton make decisions faster. That means seeing the field, reading the defense, finding the open receiver and delivering the ball. His athleticism can't help him with that. This is all about his eyes and his mind.

Bengals Player to Watch: Andy Dalton, QB

Another easy one. It is important to see how Dalton handles adversity. He's had his helmet handed to him (literally) too many times so far in this preseason and things need to start slowing down for the future franchise quarterback. He's flashed, but it is time to show a little consistency.

Matchup to Watch: Receivers vs. Defensive Backs

This goes both ways. Each team has new faces at both positions on both sides of the ball. Each offense and defense has an effect on the rookie quarterbacks and receivers, and the performance of the defensive backs will dictate how things go throughout the game for both signal callers. 

Panthers' Key Position Battle: Brandon LaFell vs. Legedu Naanee

One of these two will be the No. 2 receiver opposite Steve Smith. If healthy, it should be Naanee. He's had experience in an NFL offense and has the ability to make plays after the catch. LaFell, a second-year pro, has always underperformed since college but is being given the opportunity to be a starter. 

Bengals' Key Position Battle: Safety Positions

The Bengals are a complete enigma at safety. The positions include Chris Crocker, Reggie Nelson, Tom Nelson, Gibril Wilson and rookie Robert Sands. They've also reportedly landed 49ers castoff Taylor Mays. This team doesn't know what it is doing at safety, so keep your eyes on who is playing where.

Key Storyline: Rookie Starting Quarterbacks

Both organizations needed a fresh start and they got it. These teams are easily each other's worst opponents to this point in the preseason, and in game three it is time to see what the potential starting 11 on each side of the ball looks like. Neither of these teams is going anywhere without a quarterback who isn't ready for the NFL. 

Prediction: Panthers 20, Bengals 10

For more coverage on your favorite team's first preseason game, visit the Bleacher Report NFL page.