CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The New England Patriots defeated the Carolina Panthers 17-16 in preseason action Friday night at Bank of America Stadium.

Here are some quick thoughts on the game:

On 12th drive, Brady gets desired result: A top storyline was brewing through most of the first half, and it wasn't a good one for quarterback Tom Brady. Through 11 drives of this preseason -- five entering the game, and six into the second quarter -- he was struggling and unable to generate much positive momentum (2 INTs). But on his 12th and likely final drive of the preseason, Brady engineered a masterful two-minute drive, capping it off with a sensational throw to tight end Scott Chandler for an 18-yard touchdown. Otherwise, there wasn't much, with Bill Belichick telling WBZ-TV at halftime, "That's about all we did in the first half."

Wayne snap tracker: Veteran receiver Reggie Wayne made his Patriots debut, coming on for the second offensive play and finishing with 20 snaps played. He was targeted once (unable to bring in a short pass over the middle) and had an uneventful night after signing a one-year deal Tuesday.

Gronkowski kept on ice: In a reflection of his value to the offense, tight end Rob Gronkowski was a healthy scratch for the third straight week. Belichick isn't taking any chances. The next time we'll see Gronkowski: Sept. 10 in the season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

When it was starters vs. starters, the Patriots looked …: Not good, but that has to be kept in context as Gronkowski didn't play, nor did top receiver Julian Edelman or starting center Bryan Stork. The offensive line had three rookies on the interior with left guard Shaq Mason, center David Andrews and right guard Tre' Jackson. On defense, it was more competitive on a consistent basis (cornerback Tarell Brown looks like he made the most convincing case to start at right cornerback), although the unit was bailed out at times by a string of drops by Panthers receiver Corey Brown.

One reason to be concerned: Wide receiver depth. While Edelman should be back for the regular-season opener, and Danny Amendola is an effective No. 3 option, this unit has question marks if Brandon LaFell opens the season on the physically unable to perform list. Aaron Dobson, a 2013 second-round pick who might have been playing for his job, had a contested catch situation that resulted in an interception and also a block-in-the-back penalty. Was a 40-yard reception in the fourth quarter enough to keep him in the mix? Meanwhile, Wayne is knocking off rust and some question how much he has left in the tank.

A surprise player who caught the eye: Dominique Easley. The second-year defensive tackle isn't really a "surprise" in the sense that he was a first-round pick, but when he wins on his initial move he is particularly explosive. He gave the Panthers fits.

Rookie watch: First-round draft pick Malcom Brown held his ground at defensive tackle early in the game. It looks like he's going to be a regular part of the mix.

Who got hurt? Fullback James Develin was carted off in the fourth quarter; the medical staff was looking at his right leg as he remained down for a significant period of time. Bill Belichick came off the sideline to extend his hand to Develin before Develin was carted off, which seemed to reflect the severity of the situation. … Starting right tackle Sebastian Vollmer took himself out after the fourth play of the team's touchdown drive at the end of the second quarter. At one point, as the team's medical staff spoke with him, Vollmer pressed his left arm forward as part of a test of sorts. He didn't return to the game. … Veteran defensive tackle Alan Branch also had a wrap around his ribs which showed over his jersey, but it was unclear how that was affecting him. … Reserve receiver Jonathan Krause took a big hit over the middle in the third quarter and didn't return.

Mayo, Hightower debut: In a sign that they will both be ready for the opener, recovering linebackers Jerod Mayo (patellar tendon) and Dont'a Hightower (shoulder) played for the first time this preseason.

Maybe this player could start: Dion Lewis. The diminutive pass-catching running back, built on his strong performance from Saturday with a touchdown catch in the fourth quarter. He's going to be hard to keep off the club, as he and James White look like a capable 1-2 punch to replace Shane Vereen.