Behind Enemy Lines with Hondo Carpenter of Raider Maven

Taking a closer look at the Panthers' week one opponent

Welcome to the first edition of "Behind Enemy Lines". This is the first installment of a 16-part series for the 2020 season where each week we will get analysis and insight on the Panthers opponent from NFL team publishers across the Sports Illustrated network.

The Carolina Panthers are now just days away from lifting the lid on the Matt Rhule era and with a canceled preseason, this will be the first time we will see them going up against someone in a different uniform. Training camp has concluded, the 53-man roster and practice squad is set, and it's time to play some meaningful football. 

To help get a little insight on the Las Vegas Raiders (still sounds weird to say), Hondo Carpenter of Raider Maven answered a few questions in regards to this week's game.

What makes the Raider offense so dynamic?

Hondo: "It all starts with the best offensive line in the NFL. They are so versatile. Secondly, they have arguably the best young back in Josh Jacobs and a fullback in Alec Ingold that can catch passes, run, block, and pass block. Adding to the mix is one of the best tight ends in Darren Waller and Jason Witten backing him up and rounded out by a six-deep receiver corps that can do it all."

Biggest playmaker no one knows about?

Hondo: "Fullback Alec Ingold and receiver Hunter Renfrow on offense are two stars that people outside of Raider Nation don't know. People should know them, but they don't. On defense, it will be Maliek Collins, a free agent from Dallas, and Nick Kwiatkoski, another free agent who takes care of the MIKE linebacker position."

How well do you think LV's secondary will match up with the speed of the Panthers receivers? 

Hondo: "What a great question. The Panthers will get some yards, but the Raiders are very young and exceptionally talented."

Three keys for the Raiders to win?

Turnovers, turnovers, and turnovers. The Raiders are the better team and should win, but Carolina is NOT bad, and the Raiders can't help them by losing the turnover battle.

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