The Las Vegas Raiders, to the shock of many, escaped two highway video games to start out the 2024 season with a 1-1 file. Probably the most stunning half was that the win got here towards the Baltimore Ravens in Week 2. And now, they get their first sport at Allegiant Stadium towards Andy Dalton and the reeling Carolina Panthers.
The Panthers have been, by far, the worst workforce in soccer via the primary two weeks of the NFL season. They’re 0-2 with some extent differential of minus 60. The Los Angeles Rams and New York Giants are the subsequent worst on this class, at minus-37 and minus-25, respectively. No different workforce is worse than minus-18.
A part of the difficulty for the Panthers has been dangerous quarterback play, spearheaded by 2023 No. 1 total decide Bryce Younger. Younger struggled mightily in his rookie season, however the Panthers had room for optimism heading into Yr 2. After two pitiful weeks — 31-for-56 with no touchdowns and three interceptions — they’re turning to the veteran backup in Dalton.
Dalton is in no way an answer to the Panthers’ issues. Nonetheless, the 14-year veteran has seen sufficient to maintain the workforce from additional embarrassing losses like those suffered in Weeks 1 and a couple of. In seasons with at the least 13 video games performed, Dalton has completed with fewer the six wins solely as soon as.
He’ll nonetheless should face the troublesome job of avoiding Maxx Crosby, who’s at present 3.0 sacks away from turning into third on the Raiders all-time sacks checklist. Even with a troublesome first week towards Joe Alt from the L.A. Chargers, Crosby continues to be tied for fifth within the NFL with 3.0 sacks on the yr.
In the meantime, Gardner Minshew and the offense can take a web page out of the Chargers and New Orleans Saints’ ebook in the event that they need to transfer the ball freely on the Panthers’ protection. Davante Adams and Brock Bowers have been distinctive via the primary two weeks, and Minshew is undoubtedly going to proceed leaning on them.
Minshew is tied for second amongst all quarterbacks in passing yards via two weeks. He has 533, together with Matthew Stafford, and is barely behind Brock Purdy by 17 yards.
The Raiders have an actual alternative to go to 2-1 at the beginning of a good stretch of schedule towards the Panthers, Cleveland Browns, Denver Broncos, Pittsburgh Steelers and L.A. Rams.
Las Vegas Raiders (1-1) vs. Carolina Panthers (0-2)
Sunday, September 22, 2024, 1:05 p.m. PSTAllegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NevadaTV: CBS
