FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady's 33-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Chris Hogan in Friday's preseason win over the Carolina Panthers was the team's top offensive highlight. It it the type of play that builds confidence between quarterback and receiver, and there were three primary takeaways:

Starts with preparation. While the Patriots aren't fully game-planning in the preseason, they are watching film of their opponents, which was probably done most leading up to the game against the Panthers. Hogan said the amount of film that Brady watches is at an eye-opening level and they had discussed how they would react if Carolina gave them a certain defensive look.

Pre-snap communication. Before the snap, Brady looked to Hogan and gave him a signal, with Hogan confirming he received it. Hogan said he already knew what to do based on the defensive look, but the signal was a confirmation that both he and Brady were looking at the same thing pre-snap. That was a result of the film study.

Post-snap execution. Hogan ran an excellent route and Brady's throw was a gem. After the game, Bill Belichick explained some of the nuances of what had unfolded, saying, "Carolina doesn't play a lot of single high coverage. They do it a few times a game, so when you get those opportunities, we talk about trying to go up on them. We did a couple times, and that's one we hit. When they give you that kind of opportunity, and you don't get many of them against [them], you have to make them count."

Brady and Hogan did, teaming up for a play that highlights why it was important for Brady to play in at least one preseason game before he starts serving a four-game suspension on Sept. 3 at 4 p.m. ET. Quarterbacks and receivers build a foundation in the preseason. That play that started in the film room also tested pre-snap communication and then required pinpoint post-snap execution.

That has confidence between Brady and Hogan rising.