Bucky Brooks' Scouting Report: Week 3 vs. Panthers

Sep 21, 2024 at 11:45 AM

Bucky Brooks

NFL.com Analyst

Who's the Guy?

Andy Dalton takes over for Bryce Young as the Panthers' starting quarterback. The 14th-year pro is in the twilight of his career but gives the team an experienced quarterback with exceptional "at the line capabilities" and enough arm talent to punish defenses for their coverage mistakes. Although his limited mobility makes him a sitting duck in the pocket, Dalton's quick-rhythm passing skills and high IQ pose a challenge for a defense that cannot generate a consistent pass rush.

Know His Name…

Shaq Thompson is the unquestioned defensive leader as a hard-hitting, sideline-to-sideline playmaker with outstanding instincts and awareness. The 10-year pro continues to play at a high level amid the team's struggles, as evidenced by 24 tackles and a pair of tackles for loss through two games. The Raiders must always account for his whereabouts to prevent the Panthers' top defensive playmaker from making a game-changing play that flips the momentum on gameday.

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Don't Sleep On

Jadeveon Clowney is still settling into his role as a designated playmaker on the edges for the Panthers. Coming off a career year with the Baltimore Ravens in 2023 (9.5 sacks and two forced fumbles), the 11th-year pro remains a viable threat to wreck a gameplan with his disruptive skills. Though he has not registered a sack in 2024, Clowney's athleticism and length could give edge blockers issues if he brings his A-game.

Under Pressure

Dave Canales' decision to quickly pull the plug on the Bryce Young experiment puts the rookie head coach on the hot seat. As a quarterback guru, he's credited with helping Baker Mayfield and Geno Smith develop into high-end starters after disappointing career starts. If Andy Dalton and the Panthers offense implodes against the Raiders, Canales will face some tough questions regarding his system and approach from skeptics around the league.

Matchup to Watch

Jaycee Horn vs. Davante Adams

The up-and-coming star cornerback likely relishes the chance to line up against the perennial All-Pro pass catcher. Horn's speed, quickness and athleticism could test Adams' release quickness and route-running savvy on the perimeter. Though the veteran has dealt with elite defenders throughout his career, Horn will challenge Adams as a competitive defender with a tenacious approach.

Offensive Strategy

The Panthers offense is a work in progress under Canales. The rookie head coach is experimenting with various schemes and concepts to help his lineup maximize the talents of a few veteran playmakers and some intriguing youngsters. Though the results have not been pretty through two games, inserting a veteran quarterback could lead to better execution. Moreover, Andy Dalton's presence could help the Panthers get into the plays that could properly expose and exploit the vulnerabilities of the Raiders defense.

Defensive Strategy

Despite their record, the Panthers are a hard-playing bunch with enough playmakers to create problems for any offense. Shaq Thompson leads the way as a sideline-to-sideline playmaker with great instincts. A few disruptors join him at the point of attack (A'Shawn Robinson and Jadeveon Clowney) with the potential to produce splash plays on key downs. With Jaycee Horn excelling as the Panthers' CB1, defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero has enough weapons to create headaches for opposing quarterbacks and play callers.

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Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell's (12) pads and cleats in the weight room during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.