Panthers schedule: 4 matchups to watch in week 1 clash with Raiders
By Dean Jones
Russell Okung vs Maxx Crosby
The Carolina Panthers will need newly acquired left tackle Russell Okung to hit the ground running in 2020. This will not only give the player himself the best possible chance of securing a longer-term commitment from the franchise. But it would also give free-agent quarterback Teddy Bridgewater every opportunity to make a real go of a second chance to be a prolonged starter in the NFL.
Things will not be easy for the Pro Bowler in week one of the Panthers schedule. Okung is set to come up against second-year defensive end Maxx Crosby, who rose to prominence quickly during his rookie season to become one of the surprise packages of the campaign.
The fourth-round pick out of Eastern Michigan was nothing short of a revelation for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2019. He provided the organization with a quality pass-rushing presence and finished the season with ten sacks, 36 solo tackles, four forced fumbles, and four pass deflections. This level of production was something even the coaching staff probably didn’t think was possible during his first year in the pros.
If Crosby grows in stature during the offseason, then he is going to be a real problem for Okung on opening day. This is nothing the offensive lineman has not seen before during a superb career to date. But he will need to dispel suggestions he is regressing with a strong showing against a player who is relentless when he smells blood.