It may have taken quite a while, but the Carolina Panthers finally put some pretty good tape together!
Let’s dive into some of the best All-22 looks from their 36-22 upset over the Las Vegas Raiders from Week 3 . . .
Andy Dalton’s resurgence?
Head coach Dave Canales made a significant decision to bench former No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young at the start of Week 3. The move has given way to the 14th-year veteran in Dalton, who may now be in his final run as an NFL starter.
In his first start in almost a year, Dalton did something spectacular—as he became the very first quarterback in 2024 to throw for both 300 yards and three touchdowns in a single game. And what’s even more spectacular is that his performance may also lead to a resurgence for the Carolina offense, a unit that looked absolutely dead over their first two outings.
Watch Dalton hold the safety. That split-second of hesitation from the far side safety allows for the ball to arrive on time, with accuracy.
Pocket was also perfect, a rarity in these parts. pic.twitter.com/NXEiZEx5Qv
— Jared Feinberg (@JRodNFLDraft) September 24, 2024
Dalton played at an elite level on Sunday. He did a great job of using his eyes to manipulate second- or third-level defenders, which resulted in some explosive plays.
The 36-year-old played like the savvy passer he is—with his composure in the pocket, his answers against pressure and his ability to deliver the rock quickly. Frankly, the Panthers offense pulled off a 180 compared to what they looked like under Young.
He was accurate with incredible ball placement, especially on his touchdown passes to wideouts Adam Thielen and Diontae Johnson. Dalton did a splendid job with ball security, though he did have some misfires and a couple of near-interceptions.
Going forward, Dalton’s ability to get the ball out on time will give his offense and playmakers a chance to make big gains in space.
WRs stand out
It seems rare, especially going back to last season, that a group of wide receivers made a significant impact on the offense in a positive way. That is what happened on this afternoon.
Johnson, who the Panthers traded for in the offseason, had a career day with eight catches for 122 yards and a touchdown. His high-level skills as a route runner were on display with ample separation—as he used subtle movements and head fakes to force defensive backs to bite and commit their hips in the opposite direction.
Thielen was a nice security blanket underneath and made a great catch in traffic for a touchdown. Unfortunately, he injured his hamstring on the play and was eventually placed on injured reserve. This’ll give some opportunities to rookie Xavier Legette and second-year wideout Jonathan Mingo.
Good work by Xavier Legette to work into the soft spot of zone. The work after the catch is what makes him an explosive playmaker for the #Panthers offense.
(Also, that protection) pic.twitter.com/bTT8XQqVPD
— Jared Feinberg (@JRodNFLDraft) September 24, 2024
Mingo received some touches and showed his run-after-catch skill set at times. Legette will see the field more over the next four weeks and should be able to offer his explosive play-making ability.
His second and third-level acceleration is something the Panthers have missed since DJ Moore was traded. Legette also showed gradual improvement in separation skills and as a route runner with improved landmarks and deliberation.
With Thielen out for at least four weeks, Legette or Mingo will start in his place. Undrafted free agent Jalen Coker is now on the active 53-man roster and could see some playing time as well.
Defense has a confidence-boosting game
The Carolina defense allowed 399 rushing yards in their first two games heading into Vegas. On Sunday, they allowed just 55 rushing yards to the Raiders—obviously, a significant difference.
But why did this number improve so drastically?
Defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero has been mixing and matching his defensive line and second level since the loss of Pro Bowler Derrick Brown. Against the Raiders, there was more discipline in gap assignments and run fits.
Defensive linemen such as Jayden Peevy, LaBryan Ray and Nick Thurman were able to fill gaps and seal off rushing lanes. Peevy had a couple of decent interior pressures where he was able to get a long-arm bull rush and one with a swipe/rip on outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney’s fourth-quarter sack.
Linebacker Josey Jewell, who was run over by the Los Angeles Chargers a week prior, had a rebound game—showing more physicality at the point of attack and his respective fits.
Rookie linebacker Trevin Wallace played his first defensive snaps of the season. He saw time at off-ball ‘backer in some base fronts, but was utilized on the edge where Evero could deploy his athleticism and explosiveness to his advantage in the run game.
Through three weeks, the trade for 2 Mike Jackson looks great. Watch him run through the block of Davanta Adams and secure the TFL. Excellent run support play. #Panthers pic.twitter.com/KZG0h4KKe7
— Jared Feinberg (@JRodNFLDraft) September 25, 2024
Despite giving up a 54-yard reception in the first quarter, cornerback Mike Jackson has proved to be a gem. Jackson led the team in tackles with nine, exhibiting excellent play in run support and making quality open-field stops in space. He also, while chalking up an interception, played with discipline in footwork and coverage responsibilities altogether.
Carolina’s secondary has become a big strength of this roster, but they face a steep challenge against Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins this Sunday. With starting safety Jordan Fuller lost to injured reserve due to a hamstring injury, my eyes will be locked in on backup Nick Scott—who Evero views as a starting safety for most teams in the league.
Extra notes
- Running back Chuba Hubbard looks more elusive and creative as a runner. He’s especially more creative when attacking gaps and navigating congestion, and is always going forward when tackled. He is one of Carolina’s key pieces this season.
- Rookie tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders flashed as a blocker, showing a willingness to fit his hands and drive. He did whiff on a few blocks, plus a miscommunication play where he ran into right tackle Taylor Moton on a sack.
There were a few reps from Ikem Ekwonu that made me go 🥴.
But, I was thoroughly impressed with was overall consistency in true pass sets. This might’ve been one of his best starts of his career.
Keep the consistency. Keep getting better. #Panthers pic.twitter.com/0kS2UENr7o
— Jared Feinberg (@JRodNFLDraft) September 25, 2024
- Left tackle Ikem Ekwonu was lights out in the run-blocking game. He did miss some blocks against overload pressures, but had a consistent game in true pass sets—offering overall clean footwork, active hands and accurate strikes while doing a much better job with mirroring inside counters than he did at any point last season.
