CHARLOTTE — The Panthers are 4-4, with uncertainty at quarterback.
The Patriots are 4-4, with a rookie quarterback.
So it's reasonable to assume that if the two coaches have their way, it won't come down to the quarterbacks at all.
Patriots passer Mac Jones has thrown a lot of passes (282, fourth-most in the league) and is completing them at a high rate (68.1). He's still a rookie, but he's a high-floor rookie. The Panthers got a glimpse of that when they coached him at the Senior Bowl last February, and they liked his grasp of the offense and his leadership traits.
Now, they have to figure out how to defend him.
This stands to be an interesting game full of subplots for a pair of teams that got to .500 in different ways (the Panthers won three, lost four, and won one, while the Patriots started 1-3). So here are five things to keep an eye on:
QUARTERBACK QUESTIONS
Suffice it to say, no matter what ends up happening at quarterback Sunday, it hasn't been an ideal situation this week for the Panthers.
With Sam Darnold's status up in the air until he meets with the independent neurologist to see if he clears the concussion protocol, they don't know at the moment whether they'll have Darnold or P.J. Walker start, or whether Darnold will back up, or whether practice squader James Morgan will be elevated to the game-day roster.
And no matter what, none of them will have gotten a full week's worth of reps going into a game against Bill Belichick, as Darnold got limited practice throughout the week (which means Walker didn't get them all in either).
Panthers offensive coordinator Joe Brady said earlier this week the lack of practice reps wouldn't be an overwhelming factor, referencing their short-week game at Houston earlier this season, when they didn't get much real work done on the field during the week.
"We really didn't get to practice for that game," Brady said when asked about Darnold's ability to play without a full week of practice. "Sometimes it's mental reps; sometimes it's us just painting the picture on video.
"If he's out there, I'll feel confident with him out there."
Brady said there are adjustments in the game plan depending on the quarterback, but they aren't so vast that they can't get good work done during the week. The night before the game, they meet with the quarterbacks to talk about which plays they feel best about, and can refine based on who has to play. As they learned last week in Atlanta, that can happen in an instant.
"Sometimes it happens quickly, and you're in the red zone and you have to figure it out from there," Brady said. "When you go into it, there are adjustments you make...
"When P.J. went in there the first play I called was a speed option. Go back to Atlanta last year; first play was him taking a shot on the go route. It's not one of those things where it's like you're scratching trying to find plays. There's a reason he's here."
LET'S GET PHYSICAL
Even with opening week starter Pat Elflein back on the active roster, the Panthers are expected to stick with Michael Jordan and Trent Scott at guard.
They were the interior starters last week against the Falcons, when the Panthers ran 47 times for 203 yards. Jordan, in particular, has earned high marks for his physical nature, and as they try to establish a running game, that helps.
This week, 6-foot-5, 315-pound left tackle Cameron Erving said he's been impressed by the 6-6, 315-pound Jordan.
"Both those guys came out and played physical. Those are things you can't coach," Erving said. "Mike has people flying around sometimes. I'm a big human myself, and I look at him move guys and I'm like, 'Man, whew.' You just shake your head.
"Trent as well did his thing and was effective and played with an edge. That's what we have to continue to do as an offensive line, as a whole team. To come out and have success week by week."
SPREAD IT AROUND
They haven't activated running back Christian McCaffrey yet, and Rhule said whenever they do (either by Sunday or in the future), it wouldn't be a full workload at first.
"I don't think it would be one of those 50, 60, 70-play games," Rhule said of a hypothetical return for McCaffrey.
With the way Chuba Hubbard and Ameer Abdullah played lately, it makes sense to spread the ball around. Add McCaffrey to the mix, and you have at least two strong runners, and at least two accomplished pass-catchers among the group.
Before they get there, however, McCaffrey has to be on the active roster. They have a couple of spots open, so there's room if he's ready.
NOT IN A HURRY
New Panthers cornerback Stephon Gilmore is still working his way back from last December's quad injury, so he's not up to a full workload of reps in a game or full speed.
He only played 17 snaps against the Falcons (the team only had 50), but he made them count, with a game-clinching interception.
Defensive coordinator Phil Snow remarked with some degree of surprise that while the fastest runners in the NFL reach 20 or 21 mph during a game, Gilmore's not blazing around yet, saying: "I don't think he reached 15."
"It's because he does such a real good job with his feet and hands, playing bump-and-run in man-to-man," Snow said. "He makes the game really simple. It's not taxing to him because he's so good at what he does physically. Really fun to watch, and that's why he's been an All-Pro."
There's something to be said for running all over the place, as opposed to knowing exactly where to be and when.
SACK MASTERS
Two of the league's top pass-rushers will be on display Sunday, and two of the league's best defenses in general.
Matt Judon of the Patriots is fourth in the league with 8.0 sacks in eight games, while Panthers outside linebacker Haason Reddick is just behind him with 7.5.
And the way these two teams play defense (the Panthers are fifth in the league in scoring defense at 19.9 points per game, the Patriots are eighth at 20.5), you should be able to get a sense of how the game's going early.
In the four games the Panthers have won, they've allowed 14 points or fewer. In their four losses, they've allowed 21 or more. The Panthers are also allowing more than twice as many yards in their losses (394.8 yards per game) as in their wins (196.5 yards per game).
So if one team starts lighting it up, it will be noticeable. And surprising.
BONUS GAMEDAY RECIPE
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Carolina is 4-4 all-time against the Patriots. The teams faced off in Super Bowl XXXVIII at the end of the 2003 season.
Carolina Panthers receiver Muhsin Muhammad celebrates a fourth quarter touchdown against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XXXVIII in Houston, Sunday, Feb. 1, 2004. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
An NFL game official keeps things moving as the Carolina Panthers' offense huddles against the New England Patriots defense during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Monday, Nov. 18, 2013. The Panthers won 24-20. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Fozzy Whittaker and Jonathan Stewart celebrate a touchdown The Panthers against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, October 1, 2017.
Jonathan Stewart carries the football The Panthers against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, October 1, 2017.
Cam Newton rushesThe Panthers against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, October 1, 2017.
Julius Peppers makes a tackle The Panthers against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, October 1, 2017.
Christian McCaffrey The Panthers against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, October 1, 2017.
Devin Funchess scores a touchdown The Panthers against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, October 1, 2017.
Luke Kuechly makes a tackle The Panthers against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, October 1, 2017.
Carolina Panthers play against the New England Patriots on Monday, November 18, 2013.
Christian McCaffrey carries the football The Panthers against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, October 1, 2017.
Carolina Panthers play against the New England Patriots on Monday, November 18, 2013.
J.J. Jansen holds the ball as Graham Gano kicks a field goal The Panthers against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, October 1, 2017.
Carolina Panthers play against the New England Patriots on Monday, November 18, 2013.
Carolina Panthers Reggie Howard (23) celebrates his interception with teammate Dante Wesley in the fourth quarter against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl XXXVIII in Houston Sunday, Feb. 1, 2004. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Thomas Davis The Panthers against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, October 1, 2017.
Carolina Panthers play against the New England Patriots on Monday, November 18, 2013.
Carolina Panthers play against the New England Patriots on Monday, November 18, 2013.
Carolina Panthers play against the New England Patriots on Monday, November 18, 2013.
Carolina Panthers play against the New England Patriots on Monday, November 18, 2013.
A referee prepares to throw a penalty flag as New England Patriots' Rob Gronkowski, right, Carolina Panthers' Luke Kuechly, second from right, and Danny Amendola, third from right, react during the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Monday, Nov. 18, 2013. The Panthers won 24-20. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers' Greg Olsen (88) turns a pass up field against New England Patriots' Marquice Cole (23) during the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Monday, Nov. 18, 2013. The Panthers won 24-20. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) gives directions at the line of scrimmage during an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte, NC, Monday, Nov. 18, 2013. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton (1) avoids a sack by a New England Patriots defender during the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Monday, Nov. 18, 2013. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Matt Moore in action during their NFL football game against the New England Patriots in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday afternoon, Dec. 13, 2009. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Ted Ginn (19) moves after scoring a touchdown against the New England Patriots during the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Monday, Nov. 18, 2013. The Carolina Panthers won 24-20. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers' Muhsin Muhammad is tackled during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Dec. 13, 2009. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
Carolina Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams runs for yardage during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Dec. 13, 2009. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady hands off to running back Sammy Morris during an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Dec. 13, 2009. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots' Wes Welker in action during an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Dec. 13, 2009. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady in action during their NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday afternoon, Dec. 13, 2009. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)
Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith in action during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Dec. 13, 2009. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith (89) and Gary Barnidge (82) celebrate a touchdown during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Dec. 13, 2009. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Matt Moore calls signals during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Dec. 13, 2009. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots running back Laurence Maroney runs for yardage during their NFL football game against the New England Patriots in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday afternoon, Dec. 13, 2009. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Matt Moore (3) talks to teammates during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Dec. 13, 2009. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Carolina Panthers' Stephen Davis (48) runs through New England Patriots players Chad Brown (98) and Matt Chatham (58) for his third touchdown of the game during the fourth quarter of the Panthers' 27-17 win in Charlotte, N.C. Sunday Sept. 18, 2005. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme (17) celebrates in front of New England Patriots safety Rodney Harrison (37) after an 85 yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl XXXVIII Sunday, Feb. 1, 2004, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
New England Patriots' Corey Dillon (28) is upended by Carolina Panthers players Ken Lucas (23) and Brandon Short (53) during the first quarter in Charlotte, N.C. Sunday Sept. 18, 2005. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) is sacked by Carolina Panthers' Thomas Davis (47) during the second quarter in Charlotte, N.C. Sunday Sept. 18, 2005. (AP Photo/Rick Havner)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme reacts after an incomplete pass against the New England Patriots during the third quarter of Super Bowl XXXVIII in Houston, Feb. 1, 2004. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)
Carolina Panthers' Kris Mangum (86) is hit as he jumps past New England Patriots' Asante Samuel (22) during the second quarter, Sunday Sept. 18, 2005, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme (17) throws a pass under pressure during the second quarter of the Panthers' 27-17 win over the New England Patriots in Charlotte, N.C. Sunday Sept. 18, 2005. Delhomme was 11-26 for 154 yards and one interception. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers' Stephen Davis (48) and Travelle Wharton (70) celebrates Davis' touchdown in the second quarter of the Panthers' 27-17 win over the New England Patriots in Charlotte, N.C. Sunday Sept. 18, 2005. Davis had 77-yards rushing and three touchdowns.(AP Photo/Rick Havner)
Carolina Panthers' Julius Peppers (90) is knocked out-of-bounds by New England Patriots' Matt Light (72) after Peppers recovered a fumble during the third quarter of the Panthers' 27-17 win in Charlotte, N.C. Sunday Sept. 18, 2005. (AP Photo/Rick Havner)
Carolina Panthers Steve Smith (89) celebrates his fourth quarter catch that set up a touchdown run by teammate DeShaun Foster during Super Bowl XXXVIII in Houston, Sunday Feb. 1, 2004. New England Patriots defenders Eugene Wilson, left, and Tyrone Poole, center rear, walk away. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
New England Patriots Tyrone Poole, left, and Richard Seymour, right, attempt to stop Carolina Panthers running back Stephen Davis (48) during the third quarter of Super Bowl XXXVIII in Houston, Sunday Feb. 1, 2004. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
New England Patriots running back Kevin Faulk (33) is stopped by Carolina Panthers safety Mike Minter (34) during the second quarter of Super Bowl XXXVIII in Houston, Feb. 1, 2004. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Carolina Panthers running back DeShaun Foster dives into the end zone for a touchdown past New England Patriots safety Rodney Harrison in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl XXXVIII in Houston, Sunday, Feb. 1, 2004. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith, top, goes high to grab a 22-yard pass against New England Patriots cornerback Tyrone Poole, bottom, in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl XXXVIII, Sunday, Feb. 1, 2004, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Carolina Panthers tackle Jordan Gross, right, lifts wide receiver Steve Smith after Smith scored the team's first touchdown in the second quarter against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl XXXVIII in Houston, Sunday, Feb. 1, 2004. At left is the Panthers' Muhsin Muhammad (87). (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
Carolina Panthers Steve Smith, top, catches a pass over New England Patriots Tyrone Poole, rear, that set up a touchdown run by DeShaun Foster in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl XXXVIII in Houston, Sunday Feb. 1, 2004. Patriots teammate Eugene Wilson, left front, looks on. AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Carolina Panthers coach John Fox, right, watches a collision between Panthers tight end Jermaine Wiggins and New England Patriots defensive back Eugene Wilson (26) in the third quarter of Super Bowl XXXVIII Sunday, Feb. 1, 2004, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme (17) looks on after losing Super Bowl XXXVIII to the New England Patriots 32-29 in Houston, Sunday, Feb. 1, 2004. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)
Carolina Panthers receiver Muhsin Muhammad crosses into the end zone to score in the fourth quarter against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XXXVIII in Houston, Sunday, Feb. 1, 2004. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
