Bucky's Breakdown: Observations from the Raiders' Week 3 loss

Sep 24, 2024 at 02:00 PM

Bucky Brooks

NFL.com Analyst

Bucky Brooks breaks down the Raiders' performance in a 36-22 loss to the Carolina Panthers at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday.

BIG IMPRESSION

The Raiders allowed the Panthers to spoil their home opener in a disappointing showing that left observers scratching their heads. The Silver and Black looked nothing like the team that earned their first win in Week 2 with a gutsy effort that showed its promise as a playoff contender. Against Carolina, the lack of attention to detail showed up when Andy Dalton threw for 300-plus yards and three touchdowns in his first start for the visitors. Given the surprising loss to a team in a downward spiral ahead of the contest, the Raiders must return to the drawing board to fix their issues before Week 4.

KEYS TO VICTORY

The Raiders never recovered from the Panthers' fast start with Dalton at the helm. The veteran torched the defense with pinpoint throws that enabled the visitor's top playmakers to get into a rhythm early in the game. In addition, the Panthers punished the Raiders with a clever running game that helped Chuba Hubbard rumble for 114 yards on 21 carries. Moreover, the Panthers dictated the game's flow with an offense that jumped on the Raiders from the first snap to the final whistle. While the offense slogged through a disappointing performance that prevented the Raiders from keeping up in a shootout, the defense's struggles stood out in the surprising loss.

MINSHEW MANIA

The journeyman was inconsistent in an effort that saw him complete 18-of-28 passes for 214 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Without the support of a solid running game, Minshew could not attack the defense on play passes and quick-rhythm passes that exploited the holes in the Panthers' coverage. Though the Raiders moved the ball up and down the field after behind 33-7, the veteran's stat line amounted to empty calories on a flawed diet.

UNSUNG HERO

Robert Spillane is one of the most underrated defenders in the league as an instinctive tackling machine. The veteran finished the game with 11 tackles, a sack, and a tackle for loss as the lone bright spot in a dismal defensive effort. Though his splash play did not tilt the game in the Raiders' direction, the sixth-year pro deserves high marks for his play against the Panthers.

OFFENSIVELY SPEAKING

The Raiders' ultra-conservative offensive approach did not produce the desired results in Week 3. The ground game never got going, and the lack of success with the run prevented the Raiders from utilizing a balanced attack designed to alleviate pressure on the quarterback. Though Minshew has not played at an all-star level, the veteran quarterback needs more support to help the Raiders chalk up wins.

DEFENSIVELY SPEAKING

The Silver and Black could not slow down an offense that barely moved the ball against their first two opponents. Perhaps the Panthers' quarterback change threw off the team's game-planning efforts, but the Raiders appeared overwhelmed and outmatched by a winless opponent searching for some confidence heading into the game. After giving up 30-plus to one of the worst teams in the league, the Raiders will need to do some soul-searching ahead of their Week 4 contest to get back on track.

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Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (3) rushes during the regular season home game against the Carolina Panthers at Allegiant Stadium.