Preview and Prediction: Oakland Raiders vs. Carolina Panthers
By Austin Gayle
Khalil Mack and Bruce Irvin to Embarrass the Panthers’ Offensive Tackles
Coming off a dominant performance in Mexico City, Raiders edge-rushers Khalil Mack and Bruce Irvin will enter this week’s matchup against Carolina with two struggling offensive tackles standing in their way of the Panthers’ backfield and Cam Newton.
They won’t stand for long.
Mack and Irvin have terrorized opposing tackles all season, as their presence has been felt against both the run and the pass, combining for 11 sacks and seven tackles for loss.
Second-year offensive tackle Daryl Williams is expected to earn the start at right tackle with veteran Michael Oher recently being added to the injured reserve, which should open the door for both Mack and Irvin to pick on his inexperience.
Opposite of Williams, veteran left tackle Mike Remmers has struggled in his 10 starts this season, as PFF.com has graded him out as the 59th best offensive tackle in the NFL. Despite his experience, he too will struggle to keep the Raiders’ edge rushers out of the backfield.
With Newton’s mobility in play, Mack and Irvin will have to put in some extra work to bring him down behind the line of scrimmage, but they shouldn’t miss a beat defending outside runs.