Keep your eye on ...
1. Carolina's ball protection: The Panthers' lasting image from 2008 was a six-turnover performance against the Cardinals in the divisional playoffs. Carolina's backups didn't do much to erase that memory by committing five turnovers (four fumbles lost, one interception) in three quarters of play against the Giants. Coach John Fox will need better ball protection against Miami.
On NFL Network:
Carolina Panthers at
Sunday, Aug. 23, 1 p.m. ET
(Replay)
2. Carolina's first-team offense: Unlike their backups, Jake Delhomme and Co. didn't turn the ball over against the Giants Monday, but they didn't move the chains very well either. The Panthers starters will look for a more productive outing against Miami Saturday. Moving the ball into Dolphins territory -- something the first unit failed to do against the Giants -- would be a good start.
3. Dolphins rookie CB Sean Smith: Coach Tony Sparano didn't hesitate to throw Miami's second-round pick into the fire Monday, giving him the start against the Jaguars. Smith did not disappoint. He blanketed Jags receiver Torry Holt and played into the third quarter, where he picked off Jaguars QB Todd Bouman in the end zone. If Smith can keep it up, he'll be the favorite to start opposite Will Allen in Miami's secondary.
