1. Minshew Mania rolling on
Statistically speaking, Gardner Minshew II is on pace to have his best NFL season to date.
Following Week 2, the Raiders quarterback ranked first in the league in completions (55) and completion percentage (77.5), and second in the league in passing yards (533). Smart decision-making has been a huge priority for Antonio Pierce and Luke Getsy, with Minshew doing his best to follow their plan.
"I think it's just about consistency," Minshew said Wednesday. "I think there's a lot of things we did well. Just kind of getting into that flow sooner, finding that confidence sooner. In both of these games, it has taken us way too long. So, I think understanding that we have that when we are dialed in on our details. We just have to have that from the jump."
While he's been sacked a league-leading nine times this season, things look hopeful for him in the pocket this Sunday. The Panthers defensive line is 32nd in the league in quarterback pressure percentage (8.2) and tied for the fewest sacks (two) and quarterback knockdowns (one) through two games despite blitzing on 37.5 of quarterback dropbacks, which is the second most in the league.
2. Return of The Red Rifle
The opposing quarterback, Andy Dalton, isn't a stranger to the Silver and Black.
"The Red Rifle" was named the Panthers' starting quarterback Monday, taking over behind center after Panther coach Dave Canales chose to sit 2023 first-overall pick Bryce Young. Dalton has a 3-0 career record in games he's started against the Raiders, compiling 708 passing yards, seven touchdowns and no interceptions in those games. Additionally, he threw for 361 yards and two touchdowns in his last NFL start Week 3 of last season.
"We're dealing with Andy Dalton, a three-time Pro Bowler who's led his team to the playoffs for whatever many years. ... The timing of the offense is going to be different," defensive coordinator Patrick Graham said. "Not anything against Young, it's just you're dealing with a veteran quarterback who's seen everything. Disguise is going to be critical. We're going to have to do a good job there."
3. Challenge for the young secondary
One of the Panthers' most talented position groups is their receiving corps.
The unit is led by savvy veteran Adam Thielen and former Pro Bowler Diontae Johnson. Both receivers reached great success with their former teams, with a total of 80 touchdown grabs between them before arriving to Carolina. As Dalton takes over at quarterback, the duo could see high volume against the Raiders. Combined, they've accumulated 103 receiving yards through two games.
"Both have been considered go-to guys in critical situations, whether it's third down, red area, two-minute," said Graham of facing the two receivers. "You've got to be aware of them. They have them on the move in terms of getting them away from press coverage and kind of disguise some of the stuff they're doing."
The Raiders secondary should be up for the challenge with second-year cornerback Jakorian Bennett currently leading the team in pass deflections (three) and Jack Jones right behind him with two PDs. It's also worth nothing that Nate Hobbs has only allowed one catch for four yards in coverage this season.
4. Plug and play at linebacker
Divine Deablo has been ruled out for Sunday's game with an oblique injury and an concussion.
In his place, Luke Masterson will be expected to see an uptick in reps. The UDFA linebacker from Wake Forest started seven games his 2022 rookie season, totaling 30 solo tackles and four tackles for loss that year. Last Sunday against the Ravens, he had three total tackles in the 26-23 victory.
"Luke is that third wheel. If we had a tricycle, he's that third guy you can plug away both at MIKE and our Money/WILL linebacker positions," Antonio Pierce said. "With Deablo more than likely probably not going to play, Luke will be there and he'll step up and he'll do a good job. He's started and played in a lot of games over his three years as a Raider and he's somebody that's really dependable. ... A true hard hat mentality player that we need for a game like this."
5. JPJ in action
Jackson Powers-Johnson was not on the injury report this week and is set to make his NFL debut.
It's an anticipated return for the field for the rookie, considering his successful collegiate career at Oregon. The Rimingtom Award winner and All-American offensive lineman has missed the entirety of the preseason and the first two games of the regular season due to various injuries.
"I'm excited for him," offensive coordinator Luke Getsy said. "I mean, he's had a rough go, kind of just these things getting in the way. And so, we're excited to get him on the grass. I think, to his credit, to not have much experience or time on task, the knowledge that he has of what we're doing, what we're asking him to do, it's pretty cool to see a young guy. Again, another high football IQ guy. I think, do we know exactly what we're going to get? No, but we're excited for him and for his growth."
6. What happened last time
The Raiders' first ever game as the Las Vegas Raiders was against the Carolina Panthers in 2020.
The season opener in Charlotte, North Carolina, was a back-and-forth affair, but the Silver and Black pulled out a 34-30 victory. Kolton Miller and the offensive line allowed zero sacks throughout the contest. The Raiders are currently on a two-game win streak against the Panthers.
As the Silver and Black prepare for their Week 3 home opener against the Carolina Panthers, take a look back at their past matchups through the years.
Raiders cornerback Eric Allen (21) returning an interception for a touchdown during the regular season home game against the Carolina Panthers at Network Associates Coliseum, Sunday, Dec. 24, 2000.
Raiders defensive back Jarrod Cooper (40) and tight end Teyo Johnson (82) make a tackle during the regular season away game against the Carolina Panthers at Ericsson Stadium, Sunday, Nov. 7, 2004.
Raiders quarterback Kerry Collins (5) passes to running back Tyrone Wheatley (47) during the regular season away game against the Carolina Panthers at Ericsson Stadium, Sunday, Nov. 7, 2004.
Raiders running back Tyrone Wheatley (47) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the Carolina Panthers at Ericsson Stadium, Sunday, Nov. 7, 2004.
Raiders running back Tyrone Wheatley (47) rushes during the regular season away game against the Carolina Panthers at Ericsson Stadium, Sunday, Nov. 7, 2004.
Raiders quarterback Kerry Collins (5) passes during the regular season away game against the Carolina Panthers at Ericsson Stadium, Sunday, Nov. 7, 2004.
Raiders wide receiver Ronald Curry (89) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the Carolina Panthers at Ericsson Stadium, Sunday, Nov. 7, 2004.
Raiders wide receiver Ronald Curry (89) stiff arms the defender during the regular season away game against the Carolina Panthers at Ericsson Stadium, Sunday, Nov. 7, 2004.
Raiders running back Justin Fargas (25) rushes during the regular season home game against the Carolina Panthers at the Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, Nov. 9, 2008.
Raiders defensive back Chris Johnson (37) beaks up a pass during the regular season home game against the Carolina Panthers at the Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, Nov. 9, 2008.
Raiders defensive back Rashad Baker (27) intercepts a pass during the regular season home game against the Carolina Panthers at the Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, Nov. 9, 2008.
Raiders quarterback Andrew Walter (16) passes during the regular season home game against the Carolina Panthers at the Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, Nov. 9, 2008.
Raiders kicker Sebastian Janikowski (11) kicks a PAT during the regular season home game against the Carolina Panthers at the Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, Nov. 9, 2008.
Raiders defensive tackle Gerard Warren (61) is congratulated by linebacker Thomas Howard (53) and defensive end Trevor Scott (91) during the regular season home game against the Carolina Panthers at the Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, Nov. 9, 2008.
Raiders running back Justin Fargas (25) rushes during the regular season home game against the Carolina Panthers at the Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, Nov. 9, 2008.
Raiders running back Latavius Murray (28) rushes during the regular season home game against the Carolina Panthers at the Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) passes during the regular season home game against the Carolina Panthers at the Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016.
Raiders linebacker Miles Burris (56) sacks the quarterback during the regular season away game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012.
Raiders defensive tackle Tommy Kelly (93) pressures the quarterback during the regular season away game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012.
Raiders running back Darren McFadden (20) rushes during the regular season away game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012.
Raiders linebacker Philip Wheeler (52) and defensive end Andre Carter (97) make a tackle during the regular season away game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012.
Raiders wide receiver Rod Streater (80) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012.
Raiders quarterback Matt Leinart (7) passes during the regular season away game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012.
Raiders wide receiver Rod Streater (80) makes a catch during the regular season away game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012.
Raiders wide receiver Seth Roberts (10) makes a 2-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Carolina Panthers at the Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016.
Raiders running back Latavius Murray (28) rushes during the regular season home game against the Carolina Panthers at the Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016.
Raiders tight end Clive Walford (88) makes a 12-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Carolina Panthers at the Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016.
Raiders defensive back Antonio Hamilton (32) makes a tackle during the regular season home game against the Carolina Panthers at the Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) dives into the end zone on a 1-yard touchdown run during the regular season away game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium, Sunday, September 13, 2020.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Cory Littleton (42) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium, Sunday, September 13, 2020.
The Las Vegas Raiders try to block a kick during the regular season away game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium, Sunday, September 13, 2020.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) passes during the regular season away game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium, Sunday, September 13, 2020.
