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4 things to know for Panthers vs. Raiders in Week 3

natalie miller
·2 min read
Sep 15, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Sep 15, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Despite piecing together about as brutal of an 0-2 start as possible, the Carolina Panthers step into Week 3 with a little renewed hope—as a switch under center could result in a switch in fortunes.

But before we hit kickoff on Sunday, here are four things to know about this week's matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders:

First-year matchup

Sep 8, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales looks on against the New Orleans Saints during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Sep 8, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales looks on against the New Orleans Saints during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Both Dave Canales and Antonio Pierce have entered 2024 as first-time full-time head coaches. And Week 3 will be the first time that either face a fellow first-year head coach.

Canales comes into the match looking for his first career win, whereas Pierce can snag his second this season and his seventh overall—with five coming in his interim role in 2023. Both are also looking to establish their cultures amidst a pair of shaky quarterback situations.

The Red Rifle

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - SEPTEMBER 24: Andy Dalton #14 of the Carolina Panthers warms up before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on September 24, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - SEPTEMBER 24: Andy Dalton #14 of the Carolina Panthers warms up before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on September 24, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

Speaking of shaky quarterback situations, the Panthers have decided to bench the struggling Bryce Young after just 18 career starts. They'll now look to 14th-year veteran Andy Dalton for some form of offensive success.

Dalton made one start for Carolina in 2023, passing for 361 yards and two touchdowns in a 37-27 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. So that success brings a bit of hope that the 36-year-old could unlock some functionality that we have yet to see from this offense in 2024.

Gladiator match

Sep 15, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) celebrates with defensive tackle John Jenkins (95) after sacking Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (not pictured) during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images
Sep 15, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) celebrates with defensive tackle John Jenkins (95) after sacking Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (not pictured) during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images

The major strengths for both teams reside in the trenches.

For Las Vegas, it's on defense—where stars Maxx Crosby and Christian Wilkins reside. For Carolina, it's actually been on offense—where this offseason's investments into guards Damien Lewis and Robert Hunt have already begun to pay off.

Whoever can control the line of scrimmage, particularly in this battle, should have the advantage.

Tight history

Nov 27, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders defensive end Khalil Mack (52) strips Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) of the ball in the final minute during a NFL football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Panthers 45-42. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders defensive end Khalil Mack (52) strips Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) of the ball in the final minute during a NFL football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Panthers 45-42. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Panthers-Raiders matchups are pretty rare, as the two teams have met just seven times. Las Vegas has the slight edge, carrying a 4-3 mark against Carolina heading into the weekend.

The Panthers can even up the all-time series by notching their first (and much-needed) win of the 2024 campaign.

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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: 4 things to know for Panthers vs. Raiders in Week 3