Carolina Panthers vs Las Vegas Raiders Match Player Stats

On September 22, 2024, the Carolina Panthers took on the Las Vegas Raiders in an exciting NFL Week 3 matchup at Allegiant Stadium. The Panthers emerged victorious with a convincing 36-22 scoreline, showcasing a revitalized offense led by veteran quarterback Andy Dalton. This game was a turning point for Carolina, snapping a streak of struggles, while the Raiders faced a tough day on their home turf. In this article, we’ll dive into the key player stats, standout performances, and what made this game a memorable clash. Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or just curious about the numbers, this breakdown is easy to read and packed with insights.

Game Overview: Carolina Panthers vs Las Vegas Raiders Match Player Stats

The Panthers entered the game with a 0-2 record, having been outscored 73-13 in their first two games. Meanwhile, the Raiders were coming off a surprising Week 2 upset win against the Baltimore Ravens. However, the narrative flipped in Week 3. Carolina’s decision to start Andy Dalton over 2023 No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young paid off, as Dalton delivered a stellar performance. The Panthers controlled the game from the opening drive, ending a 20-game streak without scoring a touchdown on their first series and securing their first lead since December 2023.

The Raiders, on the other hand, struggled to find their rhythm. Despite tying the game early, they couldn’t keep up with Carolina’s offensive surge, especially in the first half, where the Panthers built a 21-7 lead. Let’s break down the player stats that defined this game.

Key Player Stats: Carolina Panthers

Andy Dalton (Quarterback)

• Passing Yards: 319

• Completions/Attempts: 26/37

• Touchdowns: 3

• Interceptions: 0

• Passer Rating: 123.6

Andy Dalton, nicknamed the “Red Rifle,” was the star of the show. Stepping in as the starter, the 36-year-old quarterback looked like he was in his prime. He threw for 319 yards, completing 70.3% of his passes, and tossed three touchdowns without a single interception. His performance was the first in the NFL that season to combine 300+ passing yards and three touchdowns in a single game. Dalton’s precision was evident early, as he threw for 212 yards and three touchdowns in the first half alone, setting the tone for Carolina’s dominance. His connection with receivers like Diontae Johnson and Adam Thielen was key to the Panthers’ offensive success.

Chuba Hubbard (Running Back)

• Rushing Yards: 114

• Carries: 19

• Receiving Yards: 55

• Total Scrimmage Yards: 169

• Touchdowns: 1

Running back Chuba Hubbard had a breakout game, delivering his best all-purpose performance in the NFL. He rushed for 114 yards on 19 carries, averaging 6.0 yards per carry, and added 55 receiving yards, including a 6-yard touchdown catch in the first quarter. His 169 scrimmage yards marked a career high, surpassing his previous best of 125 rushing yards in Week 15 of the 2022 season. Hubbard’s versatility kept the Raiders’ defense on their heels, as he contributed both on the ground and through the air.

Diontae Johnson (Wide Receiver)

• Receptions: 8

• Receiving Yards: 122

• Touchdowns: 1

Wide receiver Diontae Johnson was a primary target for Dalton, hauling in eight catches for 122 yards, including a 5-yard touchdown in the second quarter. This was Johnson’s best reception performance of his career and his first 100-yard game since Week 12 of 2022. His ability to get open and make contested catches helped stretch the field and open opportunities for other offensive weapons.

Adam Thielen (Wide Receiver)

• Receptions: 3

• Receiving Yards: 40

• Touchdowns: 1

Veteran wide receiver Adam Thielen made an impact before leaving the game with a hamstring injury. His 31-yard touchdown catch just before halftime was a highlight, giving Carolina a 21-7 lead. Despite limited targets, Thielen’s experience and reliability were evident, though his injury raised concerns for the Panthers moving forward.

Miles Sanders (Running Back)

• Rushing Yards: 34

• Carries: 7

• Touchdowns: 1

Miles Sanders complemented Hubbard in the backfield, scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter to match his scoring output from the entire 2023 season. His contribution helped maintain Carolina’s balanced attack, keeping the Raiders’ defense guessing.

Defensive Standouts Carolina Panthers vs Las Vegas Raiders Match Player Stats

• Mike Jackson (Cornerback): 1 interception, 1 yard return

• Team Turnovers Forced: 1 interception, 2 stops on downs

The Panthers’ defense played a complementary role, with cornerback Mike Jackson intercepting a pass from Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew II in the fourth quarter. Carolina also stopped Las Vegas on downs twice, showcasing their ability to make critical plays. The team’s no-turnover day on offense further highlighted their disciplined performance.

Key Player Stats: Las Vegas Raiders

Gardner Minshew II (Quarterback)

• Passing Yards: 214

• Completions/Attempts: 18/28

• Touchdowns: 1

• Interceptions: 1

Gardner Minshew II started for the Raiders but struggled to keep up with Dalton’s output. He completed 64.3% of his passes for 214 yards, including one touchdown, but his interception in the fourth quarter was costly. Minshew’s inability to convert on key downs, including a failed fourth-down attempt in the second quarter, allowed Carolina to maintain control.

Aidan O’Connell (Quarterback)

• Passing Yards: 82

• Completions/Attempts: 9/12

• Touchdowns: 1

Aidan O’Connell came in late in the game, connecting with Tre Tucker for an 8-yard touchdown in garbage time. While his stats were modest, his fourth-down conversion to Jakobi Meyers for 16 yards showed promise, but it was too little, too late for the Raiders.

Alexander Mattison (Running Back)

• Rushing Yards: 26

• Carries: 7

• Touchdowns: 1

Alexander Mattison scored the Raiders’ first touchdown on a 2-yard run in the first quarter, tying the game at 7-7. However, his production was limited, averaging just 3.7 yards per carry as the Panthers’ defense clamped down on the run game.

Tre Tucker (Wide Receiver)

• Receptions: 7

• Receiving Yards: 96

• Touchdowns: 1

Tre Tucker was a bright spot for the Raiders, leading the team with seven receptions for 96 yards and an 8-yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter. His performance showed his potential as a reliable target, but it wasn’t enough to spark a comeback.

Jakobi Meyers (Wide Receiver)

• Receptions: 7

• Receiving Yards: 62

• Touchdowns: 0

Jakobi Meyers contributed with seven catches for 62 yards, including a crucial 16-yard reception on fourth down late in the game. While consistent, he couldn’t find the end zone, limiting his impact.

Defensive Notes

The Raiders’ defense struggled to contain Carolina’s passing game, allowing 319 yards through the air. Injuries to key players like linebacker Divine Deablo (oblique/concussion), cornerback Decamerion Richardson (hamstring), right tackle Thayer Munford (knee/ankle), and safety Marcus Epps (knee) further hampered their efforts. The defense failed to force any turnovers and allowed Carolina to score on two of their first three drives.

Carolina Panthers vs Las Vegas Raiders Match Player Stats Team Comparison

Category	Carolina Panthers	Las Vegas Raiders
Total Points	36	22
Total Yards	437	332
Passing Yards	319	296
Rushing Yards	118	36
Turnovers	0	1
Time of Possession	33:12	26:48

The Panthers outgained the Raiders 437-332, with a significant edge in rushing yards (118-36). Carolina’s balanced attack and efficient ball control (33:12 time of possession) kept Las Vegas on the defensive. The Raiders’ 296 passing yards were respectable, but their inability to run the ball and protect the ball (one interception) proved costly.

Carolina Panthers vs Las Vegas Raiders Match Player Stats Game-Changing Moments

1. Opening Drive Touchdown: Carolina ended a 20-game streak without scoring on their opening drive, with Dalton finding Hubbard for a 6-yard touchdown pass. This set the tone for the Panthers’ aggressive approach.

2. First-Half Dominance: Dalton’s three touchdown passes in the first half (to Hubbard, Johnson, and Thielen) gave Carolina a 21-7 lead at halftime, effectively putting the game out of reach.

3. Fourth-Down Stops: The Panthers’ defense stopped the Raiders on downs twice, including a critical incomplete pass by Minshew in the second quarter, allowing Carolina to maintain momentum.

4. Mike Jackson’s Interception: Jackson’s interception of Minshew in the fourth quarter at the Raiders’ 36-yard line set up a field goal by Eddy Pineiro, extending Carolina’s lead to 36-15.

5. Injuries Impact Raiders: The loss of key players like Munford and Epps disrupted Las Vegas’ game plan, while Carolina managed to overcome injuries to Thielen, Jordan Fuller (hamstring), and Damien Lewis (elbow).

Standout Performances and Takeaways

Carolina Panthers

• Andy Dalton’s Resurgence: Dalton’s 319-yard, three-touchdown performance was a reminder of his veteran savvy. His ability to spread the ball to multiple receivers and avoid mistakes gave the Panthers the spark they needed.

• Chuba Hubbard’s Versatility: Hubbard’s 169 scrimmage yards showcased his potential as a dual-threat back, making him a key piece of Carolina’s offensive future.

• Defensive Discipline: The Panthers’ defense, while not flashy, was effective in forcing a turnover and stopping the Raiders on downs, complementing the offense’s output.

Las Vegas Raiders

• Tre Tucker’s Emergence: Tucker’s 96 receiving yards and touchdown were a highlight for the Raiders, signaling his growth as a playmaker.

• Struggles Up Front: The Raiders’ offensive line, weakened by Munford’s injury, couldn’t protect Minshew or open lanes for the run game, limiting their offensive options.

• Defensive Woes: Las Vegas’ defense failed to adjust to Carolina’s passing attack, and injuries to key players like Deablo and Epps didn’t help.

Historical Context: Carolina Panthers vs Las Vegas Raiders Match Player Stats

The Panthers improved their all-time record against the Raiders to 3-4, with this win marking their first victory over Las Vegas since 2016. The game was also notable for being the first NFL matchup between teams with female presidents: Kristi Coleman (Panthers) and Sandra Douglass Morgan (Raiders).

Injury Report

• Panthers: Adam Thielen (hamstring), Jordan Fuller (hamstring), Lonnie Johnson (groin), and Damien Lewis (elbow) left the game, with Thielen and Lewis being the most concerning for future games.

• Raiders: Divine Deablo (oblique/concussion), Decamerion Richardson (hamstring), Thayer Munford (knee/ankle), and Marcus Epps (knee) were either inactive or left the game, impacting Las Vegas’ performance.

What This Means for Carolina Panthers vs Las Vegas Raiders Match Player Stats Both Teams

For the Panthers, this win was a morale booster, improving their record to 1-2 and showing the potential of their offense under Dalton and head coach Dave Canales. The balanced attack, with Hubbard’s running and Johnson’s receiving, suggests Carolina could build on this performance as they face the Cincinnati Bengals next. However, injuries to key players like Thielen and Lewis will need monitoring.

For the Raiders, the loss dropped them to 1-2 and exposed weaknesses in their run game and defense. Coach Antonio Pierce admitted the team’s scheme and execution were lacking, and injuries only compounded their issues. They’ll need to regroup quickly before hosting the Cleveland Browns.

Conclusion

The Carolina Panthers vs Las Vegas Raiders Match Player Stats matchup on September 22, 2024, was a tale of two teams heading in opposite directions. Andy Dalton’s masterful performance, combined with Chuba Hubbard’s versatility and a solid defensive effort, powered Carolina to a 36-22 victory. Meanwhile, the Raiders struggled with injuries and execution, unable to match the Panthers’ intensity. This game highlighted the importance of veteran leadership, a balanced offense, and defensive opportunism in the NFL. As both teams move forward, these stats and performances will shape their strategies for the rest of the season.