Raiders vs. Panthers: Key Takeaways
The Las Vegas Raiders fell to the Carolina Panthers 36-22, bringing their record to 1-2 on the season. The Raiders struggled defensively throughout the game, allowing the Panthers’ offense to control the pace with a balanced attack. Carolina leaned heavily on their running backs, Chuba Hubbard and Miles Sanders, who combined for over 100 rushing yards, repeatedly breaking through the Raiders’ defense. The Raiders’ secondary also had difficulty containing the Panthers’ receivers, leading to big gains that widened the score gap.
One of the more surprising developments was the Panthers’ decision to bench rookie quarterback Bryce Young, and starting veteran Andy Dalton instead. Dalton stepped up in a major way, throwing for over 300 yards and three touchdowns, demonstrating his ability to take command of the offense. While Young’s absence raised questions, Dalton’s poised performance paid off, helping the Panthers improve their record to 1-2. Whether this move signals a longer-term plan or was just for this game remains to be seen.
Gardner Minshew had a challenging outing. Although he threw for a touchdown, he also struggled with turnovers, including a key interception that shifted momentum in the Panthers’ favor. The Raiders’ offensive line had trouble against Carolina’s pass rush, allowing multiple sacks that stalled their drives. With a 1-2 record, the Raiders need to adjust both sides of the ball if they want to remain competitive in the AFC.
