Carolina Panthers: Players to watch against New England Patriots

ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 31: Cam Newton #1 celebrates a touchdown with Devin Funchess #17 of the Carolina Panthers during the first half against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 31, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

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CHARLOTTE, NC – NOVEMBER 13: Devin Funchess #17 of the Carolina Panthers scores a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins in the third quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on November 13, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

Devin Funchess

The other player on the offense that fans should pay extra attention to is wide receiver Devin Funchess. This is the first season that the former second round pick is entering the year as the number one wide receiver and there is pressure to perform.

While Funchess stepped into that role last year after Benjamin got traded, there are different pressures entering a season knowing you are the guy. He hasn’t looked like that number one wide receiver in limited action. In the first two preseason games, Funchess hasn’t been able to put up great numbers with only two receptions for 19 receiving yards.

It will be worth watching if Funchess sees more targets against the Patriots and looks like that top receiver in this offense.

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