Panthers to face Raiders in Black Hole

The 6-2 Carolina Panthers are coming off their bye week to play the 2-6 Oakland Raiders. My only worry is that the Panthers may be complacent and take the Raiders for granted as an easy win.

Despite the Raiders record and front office turmoil this is an NFL team and they have pride. Plus the Raiders defense does have some talent and this team could beat the Panthers.

> Find Carolina Panthers jerseys & hats online through Pro Football Fans and check the 2008 NFL scoreboard as well!

The keys to the game for the Panthers to win

• Pretty much the same every week on a John Fox coached team. The Panthers need their running game to work early and to limit turnovers. Steve Smith is on a roll and I expect him to have a big game. That is if the running game can soften up the Raiders defense.
• The most important thing for the Panthers to do is get their Special Teams to work well. Blocked punts have killed Carolina this season and this needs to be corrected.
• On defense the Panthers have to avoid giving up a big play. This team sometimes fades into the sunset if a long touchdown is scored on them. Luckily for them the Oakland passing game is a dud. But the Raiders can run the ball well at times. But Carolina can probably handle that.

My prediction is Carolina will win on the road at Oakland.

By Randy Inman
ProFootball-fans.com Carolina Panthers Correspondent

For more of Randy's work check out FootballDogz.com where he is the Chief Writer!