Panthers schedule: What can Carolina expect from the Raiders in week 1?

What can the Panthers expect from their week one contest?

The Carolina Panthers schedule has been kind in one sense by giving them a game in front of their own fans to open 2020. However, the prospect of facing the Las Vegas Raiders is not going to be an easy one given the strength they possess across all areas.

Much will depend on the fortunes of much-maligned quarterback Derek Carr as to how far this team goes in 2020. The gunslinger has all the ability in the world. But he has become error-prone and it is clear he is now in the last chance saloon with former first-round pick Marcus Mariota breathing down his neck.

Carr will have no excuses in 2020 with a formidable offensive line, a stud running back in second-year-pro Josh Jacobs, and a sensational tight end in Darren Waller. The quarterback can also look to the outside more often next season thanks to the Raiders selecting Alabama speedster Henry Ruggs III with the 12th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.

The Panthers’ new 4-3 base defense will have its work cut out trying to stop this unit. But free-agent signing Tahir Whitehead will know plenty about their opening day opponents having played for them before deciding on a move to Carolina.

There is also plenty of cause for encouragement regarding the Raiders’ defense. This is down in no small part to the outstanding rookie season of cornerback Trayvon Mullen and the return to health of potential stud safety Johnathan Abram.

They are led up front by Maliek Collins and Johnathan Hankins, with defensive end Maxx Crosby also looking to build on a positive first season in the pros that resulted in ten sacks and four forced fumbles.

All this points to a stern test of the Panthers’ credentials when competitive action gets underway and one they will do very well to get anything out of.