As long as the Panthers have quarterback Cam Newton and middle linebacker Luke Kuechly leading them, they’re going to be a competitive NFL team. During Friday night’s preseason win over the Patriots, both of Carolina’s franchise cornerstones played well.

According to Pro Football Focus, Newton earned the highest grade of the game for the Panthers with a 90.9 overall rating.

Newton did not score any touchdowns, but he did look sharp leading the offense on several drives. He finished the evening with 142 passing yards and a 90.8 passer rating, while averaging 8.4 yards per pass attempt.

On the other side of the ball, Kuechly had the highest rating at 81.7.

As usual, Kuechly was making plays all over the field. He finished the game with seven combined tackles. At one point in the second quarter he recorded four consecutive defensive stops, bringing an end to a New England drive single handed.