After former first-overall pick Bryce Young struggled to create both wins and a consistent offense, the Panthers opted to turn in a new direction. Andy Dalton, a quarterback with plenty of experience against the Las Vegas Raiders, will now take over and attempt to shift the tide in the Carolinas.
Dalton is a seasoned veteran largely known for his tenure with the Cincinnati Bengals, most recently serving as a journeyman quarterback. He has faced the Raiders four times in his career and hasn’t once lost.
Through those four contests, Dalton has thrown seven touchdowns and zero interception with a 67.4% completion percentage.
Two of the games were played as a member of the Bengals, paving the way to a lopsided victory in 2012 and again in 2015. Additionally, Dalton played the Raiders in 2022 with the Saints and led New Orleans to a 24-0 blowout win.
How can the Las Vegas Raiders flip the switch?
Right away, it should be noted that the Raiders have only sacked Dalton twice during their four meetings. Three-of-four matchups took place prior to the emergence of Maxx Crosby, but it’s concerning, nonetheless.
The Panthers’ current roster seems to be one of the worst throughout the entire NFL. However, offensive line is one of their strongest position groups.
During this year’s free agency, Carolina agreed to terms with guards Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis. Through two weeks, Hunt’s 86.0 pass-blocking grade via Pro Football Focus stands as the second-highest among all guards league-wide. Lewis’ 76.6 pass-block grade ranks 15th-highest among guards.
One of the main reasons for Young’s benching was his failures to produce with a successful pocket. It is mandatory for the Raiders to be relentless and attack Dalton as often as possible.
Why Dalton may lose for the first time
At this instant, the Raiders’ defense is one of the best defenses the team has fielded over the past couple decades. The defensive side of the ball used to be the Achilles heel, but it has since become Sin City’s strength.
Dalton has never faced a Raiders defense as talented as the one currently constructed. After only two weeks, Las Vegas’ defense has recorded multiple sacks and an interception. Such production was unheard of in recent years past.
Thanks to that production, the Raiders were able to win their last game against a Baltimore Ravens team that battled in the AFC Championship Game last season. However, the Panthers have been blown out in both of their two games with a 73-to-13-point margin.
One team is coming off of a monumental win while the other is likely looking ahead to the draft.
One aspect to point out is that Dalton is far out of his prime as a professional passer. He turns 37 years old this year and has not started a full season since 2022, where he began the year as a backup before starting the season’s remaining 14 contests. In his first matchup against the Vikings, he threw one touchdown and lost in a tight matchup.
*Top Photo: Getty Images
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