6 winners (and 1 loser) from Carolina Panthers' win at the Raiders in Week 3

The Carolina Panthers needed to show some pride after another troubling week for the organization. Benching quarterback Bryce Young came with scathing criticism from around the media. Not so much regarding the decision to demote the signal-caller, but rather their handling of his initial development and the downward spiral since David Tepper bought the team.

This didn't go unnoticed by those in the locker room based on their reactions after securing a bombshell blowout victory at the Las Vegas Raiders. It was a completely different operation. This looked like a roster rejuvenated and Antonio Pierce's men had no answer right from the outset.

Building on this will be the tricky part, especially with some more recent game film on quarterback Andy Dalton. However, head coach Dave Canales cannot be anything other than thrilled by his team's response in the face of significant adversity.

With this in mind, here are six winners and one loser from Carolina's stunning Week 3 triumph at Allegiant Stadium.

Winners and losers from Carolina Panthers' win at the Raiders

Winner No. 1

Shaq Thompson - Carolina Panthers LB

The Carolina Panthers defense hasn't played well over the opening two contests. It wasn't easy considering they were on the field a lot and never played with a lead. But amid all the doom and gloom, veteran linebacker Shaq Thompson was an undoubted bright spot.

This continued at the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 3. Thompson was an inspirational presence at the defensive second level, leading through outstanding pre-snap communication and getting to the contact point quickly. The former first-round selection was always around the action, leaving his mark on any runner unfortunate enough to come into his path en route to a dominant performance from the defense overall.

Some fans were concerned about whether Thompson would be the same player after missing most of last season with a broken leg. The sample size is still relatively small, but he's quashed these doubts emphatically over the first three contests of the campaign.

Winner No. 2

Diontae Johnson - Carolina Panthers WR

Diontae Johnson hadn't hit the heights expected over the first two games. The wide receiver wasn't benefitting from any consistency under center and frustrations were growing. Things looked a lot different for the Pro Bowler with Andy Dalton as the team's starting signal-caller.

Johnson put on a route clinic versus the Las Vegas Raiders, creating separation almost at will and displaying his ability to generate yards after the catch for good measure. This was much more like it from the wideout, who is looking for a new deal after arriving via trade from the Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason.

The former third-round selection out of Toledo finished the game with eight receptions from 14 targets for a career-high 122 receiving yards and one touchdown. Johnson was sensational and quickly became the primary beneficiary of the Carolina Panthers' tough decision to switch quarterbacks.

If the same trend continues for Johnson over their remaining 14 games, the Panthers will have no trouble giving the pass-catcher a lofty new deal.

Winner No. 3

Carolina Panthers OL

It would have been easy to single out somebody on the offensive line. Robert Hunt's relentless protection and run blocking was another example of why the Panthers shelled out major money to secure his services in free agency. Taylor Moton put on a pass-blocking clinic versus standout edge rusher Maxx Crosby, cementing his status as one of the league's best and most underrated right tackles.

But in truth, everyone on Carolina's protection deserved praise. This unit is quickly becoming an area of strength. There is cohesion and consistency that wasn't evident at any stage last season. Every move made in this area of the field by those in power seems to be paying off. And the best part? They are only going to get better with additional familiarity.

There were a couple of mental errors that needed to be rectified, but these were fleeting. Even much-maligned left tackle Ikem Ekwonu is progressing well. That's arguably the biggest positive above all else after how things unfolded for the No. 6 overall selection in the 2022 NFL Draft last season.

For all the Panthers' faults - and there are plenty of them despite an outstanding victory in Week 3 - the offensive line remains a beacon of hope. It's been a long time since fans could say that.

Winner No. 4

Chuba Hubbard - Carolina Panthers RB

Dave Canales wanted to be stubborn running the football during his first season as Carolina Panthers head coach. This didn't materialize over the first two weeks, but things took a notable step forward in Week 3 at the Las Vegas Raiders.

As expected, running back Chuba Hubbard led the charge. The former fourth-round selection wanted more involvement and got it. He ran with purpose and wore out the Raiders' defense in the second half. There was also a lot to like about his pass-catching prowess en route to arguably the best performance of his professional career so far.

Hubbard gained 121 rushing yards from 21 carries. He also brought in all five of his targets for 55 receiving yards and a touchdown. This is exactly the sort of contribution needed from the Oklahoma State product - something that kept the defense honest and allowed Andy Dalton extra time to go through his progressions.

This is the standard Hubbard needs to match throughout the campaign. If he can accomplish this feat - especially when rookie second-rounder Jonathon Brooks is ready to return - the Panthers would be wise to give the player a new contract to prevent him from leaving in free agency.

Winner No. 5

Andy Dalton - Carolina Panthers QB

Andy Dalton knew this was a difficult situation. He's been on the other end of a benching during his career, but that did not detract from the veteran quarterback's ambition to maximize this opportunity and prove he still has what it takes to be a starting-caliber presence under center at 36 years old.

The Panthers believed Dalton's assurance and experience could help. It didn't take long for the TCU product to make a statement, leading Carolina downfield for a touchdown on the opening drive - the first time they'd accomplished this feat in 20 games. But that was just the start.

Dalton was relentless in the first half, carving open the Las Vegas Raiders defense and turning red-zone opportunities into touchdowns. He protected the football, made smart choices, and got the football out on time into the hands of his playmakers. It's amazing what a team can achieve when the simple things are done well.

The former second-round selection finished with a 70.27 percent completion success for 319 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions. Dalton gained a phenomenal 86.9 QBR and 123.6 passer rating as a result of his efforts. He was having fun, and this positivity enveloped his teammates in the most positive way imaginable.

Loser No. 1

Bryce Young - Carolina Panthers QB

The Carolina Panthers' decision to bench Bryce Young gave them a chance to see if the signal-caller was the problem or if there was another underlying issue holding the team back. It's only one game, but the answer is apparent after their blowout win at the Las Vegas Raiders.

The Panthers were a completely different operation across the board. Carolina's offense was electric and well-balanced. This allowed the defense to play with a lead and Ejiro Evero's unit thrived. They were fundamentally sound in all phases and displayed significant improvements with their complimentary football. It was night and day to anything fans have seen so far this season.

Young was forced to watch everything unfolding from the sidelines. What was going through his mind is anyone's guess, but this is Andy Dalton's team until further notice.

Carolina doesn't seem keen on trading Young right now despite several teams calling about his potential availability in recent days. That might change if the right offer comes along. Until then, the Heisman Trophy winner will be watching with little hope of seeing the field in a competitive setting barring an injury to Dalton.

Winner No. 6

Dave Canales - Carolina Panthers HC

Dave Canales was feeling the strain. That much was obvious after benching Bryce Young and facing questions about the franchise's direction under his leadership. These concerns were alleviated in no uncertain terms at the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 3.

Canales thought a more stable presence at the quarterback spot would open everything up. He didn't alter much from a schematic standpoint, but the execution was much improved. The Panthers relied heavily on the run and took their chances through the air when opportunities arose. This was the sort of clinical performance that has been sorely lacking. And the relief on the former Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator's face after the contest told its own story.

The Panthers - and Canales, in particular - no doubt felt a sense of vindication after the clash. Moving on from Young was difficult, but it had to be done. There are 53 other players to worry about. This result proves that progress can arrive with more collective confidence.

Building on this positive momentum is the next challenge facing Canales. This is a week-to-week league and complacency cannot become an issue. At the same time, Carolina has nothing to fear over the next month if these performance levels are maintained or enhanced.

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