The Las Vegas Raiders will experience a role reversal Sunday as heavy favorites against a visiting Carolina Panthers squad that is making a major change to a key position.
“There are shockers each and every week,” Raiders coach Antonio Pierce said. “Last week, it was us (winning). We don’t want to be on that headline (this week).”
The Raiders (1-1) are fresh off a comeback road victory over the Baltimore Ravens last weekend after a frustration-filled Week 1 result against the Los Angeles Chargers.
“How do we follow that up?” Pierce said. “I want to be consistent each and every week.”
The Panthers (0-2) are changing quarterbacks, deciding to have veteran Andy Dalton as the starter. He’ll replace 2023 No. 1 overall draft pick Bryce Young, who hasn’t gained much traction two weeks into his second season.
Carolina has been outscored 73-13 by the New Orleans Saints and Chargers but doesn’t want to be defined by just a pair of games.
“We still don’t know who we are yet,” Dalton said. “It’s still early. … Hopefully, we can really put it together and see what we can be.”
The Panthers weren’t willing to wait any longer before making a move after seeing an offense that was ineffective for the second straight Sunday in a 26-3 loss to the Chargers in Week 2.
“Focusing on the details,” Carolina coach Dave Canales said of what his team must do to improve. “Focusing on being right where you’re supposed to be when you’re supposed to be there. Those are things we have to get better at as a whole group.”
Before facing the Panthers in their home opener, the Raiders showed the ability to bounce back on the road against the Ravens, despite entering the game as 8 1/2-point underdogs.
“Can we just do it for four quarters?” Pierce said. “Let’s see what that looks like in front of our home crowd.”
Las Vegas is led by well-traveled quarterback Gardner Minshew, who’s with his third team in as many seasons. He completed 30 of 38 throws for 276 yards with a touchdown and an interception in the 26-23 win at Baltimore.
With Dalton, 36, there could be a different vibe for Carolina’s offense.
“It’s nice to kind of be back in this position and affect the game,” he said. “I’m just thankful for an opportunity. I wasn’t sure I was going to get it again.”
Dalton is counting on his background to help him get through.
“I’ve been in this position before,” he said. “The experience I’ve had in this league for a long time.”
Canales was peppered with questions this week regarding what’s next for Young, 23, and what this move means in terms of his development.
“My concern is the football team,” Canales said. “My concern is that we push the whole group … and the focus is on the Raiders.”
Dalton has credentials as a three-time Pro Bowler, and the Panthers certainly hope that he’s the story this weekend rather than Young’s benching.
His only start as a Panther came a year ago in a Week 3 loss at Seattle, where he threw for 361 yards and two TDs. In his career, Dalton’s record is 83-78-2 as a starter, including 4-0 against the Raiders.
The Panthers began the week with only four healthy defensive linemen. Defensive tackle Shy Tuttle (foot) is doubtful for the game, and defensive end A’Shawn Robinson (knee) is questionable along with defensive backs Lonnie Johnson Jr. (thigh) and Nick Scott (neck).
The Raiders’ biggest injury concern is star pass rusher Maxx Crosby, who has three sacks through two games but was limited in every practice this week due to an ankle injury. He is questionable for the game, along with defensive end Tyree Wilson and defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, both with knee injuries.
Linebacker Divine Deablo (oblique, concussion) will miss the game, and cornerback Decamerion Richardson (hamstring) is doubtful.
