The third preseason game, which is also known as the “dress rehearsal” game, is the most important game of the month. It provides a brief glimpse on how the team’s scheme and foundation will look during the season.

This game provided more intrigue for the Panthers due to the return of quarterback Cam Newton and the debut of wide receiver Curtis Samuel. The first offensive drive could not have been executed any better.

Newton on the opening drive: "That's Carolina football." — Max Henson (@PanthersMax) August 25, 2017

The weather could have dictated the decision to rush the ball eight times on the drive, but it was promising to see them dominate a talented defense on the ground.

Let’s take an in depth view of the explosive plays on that drive and detail the concepts.

Situation: 2nd and 5; Carolina 30

Personnel: 11 personnel (3WR, 1TE, 1RB)

Jonathan Stewart’s 31-yard run came on a crack toss. The Panthers initially have Greg Olsen lined up wide, but motion him tight to the formation. Devin Funchess and Russell Shepard are stacked to the near side.

The crack toss is effective from a bunch alignment, which is what the Panthers show once Olsen is motioned. The wide receivers (Funchess and Shepard) block down or “crack” the edge. Olsen is also blocking down on the strong side defensive end to make sure he doesn’t have a free release. Finally, Matt Kalil pulls towards the play side cornerback, so Stewart has space to hit the second level.

Great run by Jstew pic.twitter.com/8NPeh2XzaT — Billy Marshall (@BillyM_91) August 24, 2017

Situation: 1st and 10; Jacksonville 39

Personnel: 12 personnel (2WR, 2TE, 1RB)

Tight end Ed Dickson is lined up at fullback in an I-formation. Olsen is located on the right side, which will be the strong side of the formation.

The Panthers’ next explosive play came on a run concept called lead open. This is a basic run concept called to the weakside of the formation. It stresses the linebackers to cover ground and fill the correct gaps. Andrew Norwell doesn’t allow any penetration to the 3-technique defensive tackle, which makes the fullback’s job easier. As a result, Ed Dickson is left one on one against the incoming weakside linebacker. He carries out a solid block. Christian McCaffrey displays his patience and explosiveness to hit the second level.

McCaffrey takes the handoff from the I formation pic.twitter.com/je87aoPmOI — Billy Marshall (@BillyM_91) August 24, 2017

Situation: 2nd and 6; Jacksonville 25

Personnel: 12 personnel (2WR, 2TE, 1RB)

The Panthers have twin wide receivers lined up to the weak side of the formation. Greg Olsen is the in line tight end while Ed Dickson is the H back.

The Jaguars are playing a cover 3 scheme in their base defense. Carolina attempts their first pass attempt by calling a post flat concept to the strong side. Olsen runs a corner or seven route, which occupies the safety. Dickson’s flat route has the strong side linebacker dropping into his zone. Therefore, this gives plenty of space in the middle of the field for Christian McCaffrey to catch a dump off. Many have been skeptical about Cam Newton’s willingness to throw the easy completion, but he does exactly that on this attempt. After wisely not forcing a throw to a receiver, Newton elects to target McCaffrey who does an excellent job of gaining yards after the catch.

I was told Cam won't dump the ball off tho pic.twitter.com/sh4xQ012dJ — Billy Marshall (@BillyM_91) August 24, 2017

Situation: 3rd and 6; Jacksonville 9

Personnel: 11 personnel (3WR, 1TE, 1RB)

Kelvin Benjamin is lined up wide on the weakside while Russell Shepard is in the slot.

The Jaguars are playing cover 0, which is man coverage with no safety over the top. Initially, there is a safety surveying the middle of the field, but after the snap he closes down to match up with Russell Shepard. The Panthers run a slant flat concept, which is a popular rub route inside the red zone. The goal is to legally free the outside receiver in space. Shepard runs his route without interfering the defensive back. Newton takes one step and accurately throws Benjamin a pass which takes him into the end zone. Perfect play call to cap off an impressive drive

Thanks for playing Jags. It's been real pic.twitter.com/K1i4OVIyhE — Billy Marshall (@BillyM_91) August 24, 2017

I was told Cam won't dump the ball off tho pic.twitter.com/sh4xQ012dJ — Billy Marshall (@BillyM_91) August 24, 2017

- Game footage courtesy of NFL.com