CHARLOTTE— Viva Las Vegas! The Carolina Panthers are opening a new era this weekend, not only starting quarterback Andy Dalton for the first time this season but traveling to the Strip to the take on the Vegas iteration of the Raiders for the first time.
The Panthers are 3-4 all-time against the Raiders. Carolina is 2-2 at home and 1-2 on the road, but this will be the Panthers debut in Allegiant Stadium.
With all the change that has happened in Charlotte this week, there are still plenty of things that stayed the same: Dave Canales wants to run the ball, the defense wants to up their attempts on the ball and everybody wants to protect it all a little better.
With that in mind, here are five things to watch as the Panthers take on the Raiders.
Run the dang ball
Through the first two weeks, the offense has had no completions of 20-plus air yards, and only five receptions of passes that were 10-19 air yards. It's something Dave Canales wants to change this week.
"We've got to get aggressive," Canales said this week of implementing the deep ball more.
In the Chargers loss in particular, Canales noted through the 48 plays on the day, "I really wanted to establish the run. We did that and if we could have converted more third downs, we would have had more opportunities to run the ball, to throw the action."
The offense converted only 1-of-12 opportunities on third down against Los Angeles. It shut down any sort of rhythm, eliminating the play action, as Canales noted. Through the first two games, there have been only eight attempts off play action, with four completions for 24 yards.
Riding behind Chuba Hubbard, who averaged 6.4 yards per rush last week, watch for the Panthers to continue to emphasize the run game against the Raiders. As a result, the run game opens up the pass, giving everyone on offense more room to breathe.
"And of course, just all the things that come off at the actions, you know, the boots and all those things," Canales pointed out. "So, it's a complementary thing. It's the marriage of the run of the pass game.
"It's something that I have to improve and make sure that we get those shots down the field because we have some talent out there at our skill positions. It's just for me, it was just about getting into a rhythm and, really, we were living and dying on third down, you know, we had a lot of three-and-outs, and so we just needed to move the chain so we can get right back to it and get in the rhythm and the flow of it."
This is even more important this week, facing Crosby, who can wreck a pass play before it starts.
"Playing against a couple of fantastic pass rushers like that, you want to play a little football before you start yoking the ball down the field," Canales said. "And so just, I really didn't get us into a rhythm and that's something I got to think about."
Hubbard and crew have a chance to find that groove on the ground this week. The Raiders have given up an average of 163.5 rushing yards per game (6.1 yards per attempt) and 10 total rushing first downs.
Creating a pocket of protection
The Panthers invested heavily in their offensive line this offseason, signing free agents Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis, while moving Austin Corbett to center. And so far, the return on investment has been high. The trio of Corbett, Hunt and Lewis—all having taken 68 pass blocking snaps—have allowed a collective total of four pressures and no sacks, with only two pressures on quick throws.
As the team takes on the Raiders—and more specifically Maxx Crosby—that sort of presence in the trenches will be vital. Crosby can rush from anywhere on the field, and will, but if Dalton can trigger a quick release, or for that matter, not hold on too long, this interior line has proven more than capable of providing a clean pocket.
Dalton to Thielen
Dalton and Adam Thielen have played 334 games between them in their long careers, yet only one of them has crossed over: Week 3 of the 2023 season in Seattle. Despite having only one game together, the duo struck lightening, connecting for 11 receptions for 145 yards and one touchdown.
Even with that connection, Canales said he's excited to see what Dalton can do with all the receivers this week.
"We're trusting on all the guys that just continue to buy into the concepts, the execution, the details all across the board. That goes for Andy and for Adam as well.
"So, they have some chemistry and some things but, it's this group playing together. And that's the part that we're excited to see come alive and to watch, is just continue to take the next steps in our pass game all across the board."
Dalton has taken the first team snaps in practice all week, but with just a few days to work around, the offense can lean on the years of experience Dalton and Thielen bring to the field, individually and together.
Questions persist on the D-line
The Panthers listed nose tackle Shy Tuttle (foot) as doubtful and defensive end A'Shawn Robinson (knee) as questionable. Robinson was able to practice on Thursday and Friday, albeit in a limited capacity. Tuttle did not practice all week.
This puts a lot of things into question on the D-line heading into Vegas, particularly on the heels of losing Derrick Brown (knee) for the year. As such, Evero is prepared to turn to a bevy of young players, who may be unproven but are promising.
"At the end of the day, we got confidence in those guys. Nick Thurman, LaBryan Ray, (Jayden Peevy), all those guys have played some snaps," Evero voiced support earlier in the week.
To Evero's point, Ray, Peevy and Thurman have all played snaps on defense through the first two weeks. Peevy in particular, despite playing only 39 snaps, is someone coaches see the possibility of stepping up even more in the absence of others.
"It's what we saw from him in training camp. He's got size, he's got length, he's a very good athlete. We really like him as a rusher. And so, there's a lot to work with there," Evero said of Peevy.
Added Canales, "Learning the system. While he's doing that, he's massive. He's got great length. He can play with power and just looking for him to put it all together to be that consistent force where he can affect things on 1st, 2nd and 3rd down.
We see that kind of potential in him, but he's got to just continue to learn the system and where he's supposed to be at in his gaps and all those things. So, he's continuing to grow, he's helping us. Looking forward to seeing him continue to grow."
DeShawn Williams, who played in 16 games with 10 starts here last year, is also on the practice squad and a possibility to step in if Tuttle's injury persists.
Creating good habits
The defense has preached for weeks now to keep making attempts on the ball. It's been a pillar of the offseason, a key to the game the first two weeks and a focus in practice during the week. On the first drive of Sunday's game against the Chargers, Jaycee Horn forced a fumble that Troy Hill was able to recover. On replay, officials determined it was an incomplete pass.
When the defense got back to the tape though, and began preparations for the Raiders, Evero was able to point to the play as an example of what he wanted each guy to continue to do in games.
"It's about habits really," Evero said this week of the play and attempts on the ball. "So, like regardless of the results of that play, he did exactly what you want.
"He's chasing a ball, he's in a chase hackles position. He's going after the ball and, you can't control those calls, and how it's going to be officiated. But like, if you continue to have those habits, you're going to get the results."
The Panthers will have to rely on those habits and continue to chop wood against the Raiders, who's receivers have given up only two interceptions this year, and have created an average separation of 3.9 yards.
Carolina is 3-3 all-time against the Raiders with a 2-1 record at home.
Oakland Raiders' Lamarr Houston (99), Carolina Panthers' Louis Murphy (83) and other players scuffle as Armond Smith walks nearby after a play during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers center Ryan Kalil (67) looks to his left as he and the Panthers offensive line gets set to snap the ball at the line of scrimmage opposite the Oakland Raiders defensive line during the 2016 NFL week 12 regular season football game against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016 in Oakland, Calif. The Raiders won the game 35-32. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith (89) reacts after making a first down during NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders in Charlotte, NC Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
FILE - In this Dec. 23, 2012 file photo, Oakland Raiders' Carson Palmer (3) is hit by Carolina Panthers' Greg Hardy (76) and Charles Johnson (95) while throwing a pass during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C. Hardy, a.k.a. the "Kracken," is quickly earning a reputation as one of the best all-around defensive ends in the league, and nobody knows that better than Palmer, who got knocked out of the game last year by Hardy. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone, File)
Oakland Raiders offense lines up against the Carolina Panthers defense during an NFL game on Sunday, November 27, 2016. The Raiders defeated the Panthers 35-32. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
FILE - In this Dec. 23, 2012, file photo, Oakland Raiders' Terrelle Pryor (6) looks to pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte, N.C. Pryor will make his first career start at quarterback for the Oakland Raiders in their season finale in San Diego, coach Dennis Allen announced Friday. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn, File)
Oakland Raiders' Andre Carter (97) grabs the jersey of Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith (89) as Raiders' Philip Wheeler (52) reaches for Smith during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers' Luke Kuechly (59) walks off the field after an interception of a Oakland Raiders pass during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) gets a high five from Carolina Panthers wide receiver Ted Ginn, Jr. (19) after throwing a touchdown pass that gives the Panthers a 32-24 fourth quarter lead during the 2016 NFL week 12 regular season football game against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016 in Oakland, Calif. The Raiders won the game 35-32. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
Two Carolina Panthers fans are surrounded by Oakland Raiders fans in the black hole during the 2016 NFL week 12 regular season football game against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016 in Oakland, Calif. The Raiders won the game 35-32. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin (13) beats Oakland Raiders cornerback Sean Smith (21) and catches a touchdown pass during an NFL game against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday, November 27, 2016. The Raiders defeated the Panthers 35-32. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith (89) reacts after making a first down against the Oakland Raiders during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
A penalty flag flies past Carolina Panthers' DeAngelo Williams (34) as he breaks away for a run against the Oakland Raiders during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012. The run, for a touchdown, was called back for a holding penalty. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith (89) and Cam Newton (1) celebrate Smith's touchdown catch against the Oakland Raiders during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Oakland Raiders' Darren McFadden (20) tries to break the tackle of Carolina Panthers' Thomas Davis (58) during the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers' James Dockery (31) defends a pass to Oakland Raiders' Rod Streater (80) during the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012. The pass was incomplete. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers defense stops Oakland Raiders running back Latavius Murray (28) during an NFL game on Sunday, November 27, 2016. The Raiders defeated the Panthers 35-32. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton (1) celebrates his touchdown run against the Oakland Raiders during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers' Luke Kuechly, right, tackles Oakland Raiders' Terrelle Pryor, left, during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) lines up against the Oakland Raiders offense during an NFL football game in Charlotte, NC Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Ted Ginn (19) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in Oakland, Calif. The Raiders defeated the Panthers, 35-32. (Ryan Kang via AP)
The Carolina Panthers offense huddles and calls a play during the 2016 NFL week 12 regular season football game against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016 in Oakland, Calif. The Raiders won the game 35-32. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
Carolina Panthers defensive lineman Reggie White (92) pass rushes during an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2000 in Oakland, Calif. The Raiders won the game, 52-9. (Greg Trott via AP)
FILE - In this Nov. 27, 2016, file photo, Oakland Raiders quarterback Matt McGloin (14) drops back as Carolina Panthers free safety Tre Boston (33) applies pressure during the second half of an NFL football game in Oakland, Calif. The Raiders are headed to the postseason party for the first time since 2002, but they'll be without Derek Carr after losing their star quarterback to a broken right leg. Backup Matt McGloin will lead them instead. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar, File)
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28) scores a touchdown against the Oakland Raiders during the second half of an NFL football game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Carolina Panthers' DeAngelo Williams (34) runs as Oakland Raiders' Matt Giordano (27) tries to make the tackle during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28) leaps over a pile of players as he tried diving for a touchdown that gets stopped by the defense during the 2016 NFL week 12 regular season football game against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016 in Oakland, Calif. The Raiders won the game 35-32. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) during an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in Oakland, Calif. The Raiders defeated the Panthers, 35-32. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Julius Peppers #90 and Richard Marshall #31 of the Carolina Panthers celebrate following a fumble recovery against the Oakland Raiders at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on November 9, 2008 in Oakland, California. The Panthers defeated the Raiders 17-6. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Jake Delhomme #17 of the Carolina Panthers pitches out against the Oakland Raiders at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on November 9, 2008 in Oakland, California. The Panthers defeated the Raiders 17-6. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Jake Delhomme #17 of the Carolina Panthers drops back to pass against the Oakland Raiders at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on November 9, 2008 in Oakland, California. The Panthers defeated the Raiders 17-6. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
DeAngelo Williams #34 of the Carolina Panthers runs for a 69-yard touchdown against the Oakland Raiders at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on November 9, 2008 in Oakland, California. The Panthers defeated the Raiders 17-6. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Muhsin Muhammad #87 of the Carolina Panthers makes a 27-yard reception against the Oakland Raiders at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on November 9, 2008 in Oakland, California. The Panthers defeated the Raiders 17-6. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Members of the Carolina Panthers defensive line look on from the sidelines against the Oakland Raiders at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on November 9, 2008 in Oakland, California. The Panthers defeated the Raiders 17-6. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Jon Beason #52 of the Carolina Panthers calls a defense in the huddle against the Oakland Raiders at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on November 9, 2008 in Oakland, California. The Panthers defeated the Raiders 17-6. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Oakland Raiders Quarter Back Marques Tuiasosopo (8) during an NFL football game against The Carolina Panthers Sunday November 09, 2008 in Oakland. The Carolina Panthers defeated The Oakland Raiders 17-6 at The Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in 2008 Regular Season Week 10 action. (AP Photo / Bill Nichols)
Carolina Panthers defensive back Nate Salley (25) points the way during an NFL game against the Oakland Raiders, Nov. 9, 2008 in Oakland. (AP Photos/Greg Trott)
Carolina Panthers linebacker Jon Beason (52) defends during an NFL game against the Oakland Raiders, Nov. 9, 2008 in Oakland. (AP Photos/Greg Trott)
Carolina Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams (34) celebrates a touchdown during an NFL game against the Oakland Raiders, Nov. 9, 2008 in Oakland. (AP Photos/Greg Trott)
Carolina Panthers waide receiver Steve Smith (89) catches a pass during an NFL game against the Oakland Raiders, Nov. 9, 2008 in Oakland. (AP Photos/Greg Trott)
Carolina Panthers' Tyler Brayton (96) sacks Oakland Raiders quarterback Marques Tuiasosopo (8) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 9, 2008, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)
Oakland Raiders, including Tony Stewart (86) and Luke Lawton (44) pursue Carolina Panthers' Mark Jones, foreground, during a 55-yard punt-return in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 9, 2008, in Oakland, Calif. The Panthers won the game 17-6. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)
Oakland Raiders' Kwame Harris (77) recovers a fumble during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers Sunday, Nov. 9, 2008, in Oakland, Calif. Panthers' Tyler Brayton (96) and Julius Peppers (90) are also in on the play. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)
Carolina Panthers, including Charles Godfrey (30), Adam Seward (59) and Jon Beason, right, bring down Oakland Raiders' Justin Fargas (25) during the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 9, 2008, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers, right, chases Oakland Raiders running back Justin Fargas (25) during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 9, 2008, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)
Oakland Raiders receiver Doug Gabriel (85) and Carolina Panthers' Dante Wesley (21) wrestle near the end zone during the fourth quarter in Charlotte, N.C. Sunday Nov. 7, 2004. Wesley was flagged for pass interference and the 38-yard penalty gave Oakland the ball at the 4. Sebastian Janikowski kicked the game-winner three plays later as the Raiders won 27-24. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Oakland Raiders quarterback Kerry Collins (5) throws a pass as Carolina Panthers' Julius Peppers (90) is upended during the first quarter in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday Nov. 7, 2004. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Quarterback Kerry Collins #5 of the Oakland Raiders looks downfield for a receiver against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on November 7, 2004 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Raiders defeated the Panthers 27-24. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Defensive tackle Warren Sapp #99 of the Oakland Raiders takes a Gatorade break against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on November 7, 2004 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Raiders defeated the Panthers 27-24. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Wide receiver Ricky Proehl #81 of the Carolina Panthers gets upended on a pass play by rookie Stuart Schweigert #30 of the Oakland Raiders at Bank of America Stadium on November 7, 2004 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Raiders defeated the Panthers 27-24. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Defensive end Julius Peppers #90 of the Carolina Panthers gets blocked by rookie tackle Robert Gallery #76 of the Oakland Raiders at Bank of America Stadium on November 7, 2004 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Raiders defeated the Panthers 27-24. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Fullback Brad Hoover #45 of the Carolina Panthers scores a touchdown on a 16 yard pass play from quarterback Jake Delhomme in the third quarter against the Oakland Raiders at Bank of America Stadium on November 7, 2004 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Raiders defeated the Panthers 27-24. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Wide receiver Mushin Muhammad #87 of the Carolina Panthers goes out for a pass while defended by Phillip Buchanon #31 of the Oakland Raiders at Bank of America Stadium on November 7, 2004 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Raiders defeated the Panthers 27-24. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
With the stadium scoreboard in the background, the Carolina Panthers try to block a PAT by the Oakland Raiders at Bank of America Stadium on November 7, 2004 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Raiders defeated the Panthers 27-24. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Quarterback Jake Delhomme #17 of the Carolina Panthers drops back to pass against the Oakland Raiders at Bank of America Stadium on November 7, 2004 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Raiders defeated the Panthers 27-24. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Tight end Doug Jolley #88 of the Oakland Raiders catches a pass for a 33 yard gain against safety Mike Minter #30 of the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on November 7, 2004 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Raiders defeated the Panthers 27-24. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Tight end Kris Mangum #86 of the Carolina Panthers slaps a high five on a teammate after scoring a touchdown on a one yard pass from quarterback Jake Delhomme against the Oakland Raiders at Bank of America Stadium on November 7, 2004 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Raiders defeated the Panthers 27-24. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
An unidentified Carolina Panthers defensive back breaks up a pass intended for wide receiver Jerry Porter #84 of the Oakland Raiders at Bank of America Stadium on November 7, 2004 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Raiders defeated the Panthers 27-24. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Oakland Raiders vs. Carolina Panthers at Oakland Alameda County Coliseum Sunday, December 24, 2000. Raiders beat Panthers 52-9. Oakland Raiders defensive back Eric Johnson (41) chases Carolina Panthers running back Michael Bates (24). (AP Photo/Al Golub)
Oakland Raiders vs. Carolina Panthers at Oakland Alameda County Coliseum Sunday, December 24, 2000. Raiders beat Panthers 52-9. Oakland Raiders linebacker Greg Biekert (54) chases down Carolina Panthers wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad (87). (AP Photo/Al Golub)
