CHARLOTTE — Viva Las Vegas! The Panthers (0-2) are preparing to head west this weekend, to take on the Raiders (1-1) for a Week 3 matchup that already looks drastically different than anyone could have imagined at the beginning of the season.
The Panthers are rolling onto The Strip with a different starting quarterback, and the Raiders are coming off a comeback win against the Baltimore Ravens. The Panthers are 3-4 all-time against the Raiders. Carolina is 2-2 at home and 1-2 on the road. Andy Dalton is 3-0 in his career starts against the Raiders.
As the Panthers jump in to preparations for the week, get to know the Raiders, and what they present as an opponent.
The Stache, the kid and the best
The Raiders brought in quarterback Gardner Minshew this offseason, handing over an offense that includes Davante Adams and rookie tight end Brock Bowers. Through the first Raiders first two games, the rushing attack has been somewhat stymied, picking up only 98 yards on the game through two weeks.
Instead, the trio of Minshew, Adams and Bowers have taken over through the air. In those same first two games, Minshew has gone 55-71 for 533 yards and two touchdowns (plus two interceptions). Of those 533 yards, 325 have gone to the duo of Adams and Bowers, as well as 35 of the 55 targets.
"The quarterback did a heck of a job playing pitch and catch with one of the best receivers in the game and the young rookie really stood out today, Brock Bowers," Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce said of the trio after the Ravens win. "I thought it was just a good job of our guys being resilient, having a hard hat mentality, keeping their composure, and being a more disciplined team."
Even knowing the ball will likely go to one of those two targets isn't always enough for defenders. Adams has made a reputation as one of the best route runners and get-off guys in the league. Bowers comes in to the league as a prime example of the new age tight end. Bracketing either of these pass catchers can shape a game plan on defense.
Mad Maxx
The Raiders defense has still been figuring things out in the first two weeks, giving up 176 yards on the ground in Week 1 to the Chargers, and 151 on the ground to the Ravens. One thing that is already known though, is what Maxx Crosby will bring it in the front seven. The veteran pass rusher has resumed his attack on opposing offenses, picking up 11 tackles, 3.0 sacks, two quarterback hurries, five tackles for loss and a pass defensed in the first two weeks.
As the Raiders looked to complete their comeback win against the Ravens on Sunday, Crosby registered perhaps his most significant play of the game, helping Vegas secure the win. On the Ravens penultimate drive, while looking to answer a Raiders touchdown drive, Crosby sacked Lamar Jackson on the first play, a loss of nine-yards to put Baltimore well behind on the first play. They would eventually punt on the drive. The Raiders kicked the go-ahead field goal on their final drive.
"Last week, we heard a lot of noise," Crosby said to The Athletic. "I took a lot of things personally. And I love that. … I feel like I had a lot of doubters, and I feel like this whole team was being disrespected, so you've got to respond."
Kickin' it like Daniel
The Raiders' kicker, Daniel Carlson, has a strong leg and the luxury of kicking in a dome. As such, the offense knows they can depend on points from a vast majority of the opponents side of the field. Carlson has gone 5-of-6 on field goals so far this season, including two from 50-plus.
Both of the long field goals came in the win against the Ravens, the first from 53 yards, and the second from 51 yards. Carlson was called upon several times in the Ravens win, and responsible for four of the Raiders six scoring drives.
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)
