Panthers Debut New QB vs. Raiders

by Sharon Thorsland

The Panthers are hitting the reset button on their offense, with Andy Dalton taking over at quarterback this week against the Raiders. The team benched Bryce Young in favor of the veteran after an 0-2 start to the season. The Red Rifle will make his first start since the Seattle game last season, facing a Raiders team that he’s never lost to in his career, going 4-0 against the Silver and Black.

This year’s version of the Raiders is 1-1 on the season after a 26-23 win over the Ravens last week that saw them rally from 10 down in the fourth quarter. Running the offense is veteran quarterback Gardner Minshew, who signed with the team in the off season and beat out second year player Aiden O’Connell for the starting job. Minshew is playing some outstanding football right now, he’s first in the NFL in completion percentage and completions, and is tied for second in the league with 533 passing yards. Making his job a lot easier is All-Pro receiver Davante Adams, who leads the team with 169 yards on the season. He teams with former NC State standout Jakobi Meyers and rookie tight end Brock Bowers, who has made an immediate impact with 15 catches for 156 yards in his first two games.

Running the ball has been a problem for the Raiders, who lost All-Pro running back Josh Jacobs when he left for Green Bay in free agency. Third year player Zamir White has moved into the starting role but with revamped offensive line hasn’t been able to get the ground game going, as he and the Raiders rank last in the NFL with just 49 rushing yards per game. That should help the Panthers defense, which has struggled out of the gates and gives up nearly 200 rushing yards per game.

Stopping the run has also been an issue for the Raiders, who allow over 163 rushing yards per game, that’s 29th in the league. But they’ve got an impressive front four, led by star defensive end Maxx Crosby. He’s got three sacks on the season. The Raiders brought in former Dolphins and Clemson defensive tackle Christian Wilkins to anchor the inside. Middle linebacker Robert Spillane leads the team in tackles and had an interception against the Ravens. The Raiders have a young secondary, only safety Marcus Epps has more than four years experience. With his veteran experience, Dalton should be able to have some success against this defense. “They play hard on defense,” said Dalton. “It’s kind of a relentless effort. It’s not just what they’re doing initially, it’s the high motor that they play with. Especially for Maxx – he’s one of the best rushers in the league.”

Dalton’s experience in the league speaks for itself, and the Panthers have plenty of confidence in him headed into Las Vegas. Here’s hoping he moves to 5-0 against the Raiders and gives the Panthers their first win of the season.