It looks like a thumbs up for Tom Brady tonight.

Storyline: It’s the all important third pre-season game tonight as the Patriots head to Carolina to face the Panthers. Expect tonight’s starters on both sides of the ball to play at least a half, if not more. Tonight will also mark the season debut of Tom Brady. At least we think so.

Here is what we are looking for in this game.

1. Will Brady Play? All indications are that Brady will indeed play in what is likely his first and final game before he serves his four game suspension over Deflategate. 

2. The O-Line Must Play Well: The offensive line looked good at times last week against the Bears. They’ll face a stiffer challenge in Carolina’s front four so it’ll be interesting to see if they can carry over last week’s performance.

3. Jimmy G’s Biggest Test Yet: This will be Jimmy Garoppolo’s biggest test yet. He has played great thus far this pre-season but tonight he is facing a top ten defense that can rush the passer and be disruptive. Let’s see how he does.

4. Veterans Must Play Well: Veterans like defensive tackle Terrance Knighton and tight end Clay Harbor are not locks to make the team. Thanks to the emergence of Anthony Johnson and A.J Derby, the two veterans need to play well tonight if they want to state their case to the coaches and secure a roster spot. 

5. Will D.J Foster Play?: I’ve been waiting to see the rookie free agent out of Arizona State play this pre-season. Foster has been hurt but he is expected to make his Patriots debut tonight. Foster could be the dark horse in the Patriots running back rotation. We’ll find what he has tonight.