Raiders/Panthers Preview: Declaration

The 2020 NFL season starts today. The Las Vegas Raiders make the voyage to North Carolina to face the Panthers. In Year Three of his return, Jon Gruden must right the ship, and kick the season off on a phenomenal note, This incarnation of the Raiders possesses some emerging talent. With that, the overarching need to succeed immediately becomes everpresent. As a result, the time to state strong declarations ahead of the game.

The Raiders’ front four will feast on the Panthers offensive line.

On paper, Carolina lacks one solid offensive lineman that will pose a scintilla of a threat. Clelin Ferrell, yes that one, should enjoy a monster day. Taylor Moton is a serviceable NFL tackle. Yet, that should make the Raiders salivate along the defensive line. Honestly, Arden Key, in my opinion, will tally a sack. Key buys into Marinelli.

Quote

“He’s just like the grandpa who gives you whatever you want but asks a lot from you,” defensive end Arden Key said. “He asks a lot from us. He knows what he’s talking about. He’s coached a lot of Hall of Fame guys, and a lot of guys soon to be in the Hall of Fame. His track record speaks for itself and I feel like the whole d-line has bought in, and you don’t really have a choice but to buy in with a guy like Coach Rod Marinelli because you know you’re going to get better and you know you’re going to get pushed.”

Tahir Whitehead Surrenders Two Big Plays, Minimum

Granted, this feels rather weird celebrating this. Considering the fanbase remembers Whitehead in Oakland, a step late, and an eyelash behind. Teams torched Whitehead in 2019, completing 78.8% of his passes and six scores. This is where Darren Waller or anyone hitting the slant will see chunk yardage. Despite this quote

“He’s 6’6″ and some change and can run like a doggone wide receiver. He runs like a 4.4. He’s tall, and he has solid hands,” Whitehead said. “I think that presents a lot of matchup issues.”

The Las Vegas Raiders Should Win by Twelve Points

In all honesty, the Raiders, in recent years, don’t win by large margins. Yet, look at the Panthers. They start an average quarterback, elite back, behind a porous line. Moreover, they don’t feature a tight end. For that alone, the Raiders should excel. Lastly, Jon Gruden enjoys a sizable coaching advantage over Matt Rhule. Time to put them away early.