Panthers linebacker talks about his former Raiders team

[Jeremy Igo]

Tahir Whitehead spoke about the Raiders a bit yesterday 

From Panthers.com

Quote

 

On Wednesday, Whitehead downplayed his familiarity with the Raiders, saying he hasn't told his new teammates anything significant that they couldn't see on tape. Head coach Matt Rhule also hasn't done much to gather Whitehead's intel on his former club.

"I want our guys to worry about us. I want Tahir focused as possible on playing great defense, playing our defense, and attacking their offense," Rhule said. "I think he's been very focused all camp, and as you get to know him, that's really who he is."

But cornerback Donte Jackson had a different take.

"(Whitehead) feels it's his duty to make sure we're all good," Jackson said. "He's let us know everything that he knows, everything he remembers from the scheme. We've definitely been picking his brain, having some long conversations just to try to get even a little bit of an upper hand."

Second-year running back Josh Jacobs is the heartbeat of the Raiders offense. He was the PFWA's Offensive Rookie of the Year but did not receive the AP award given at NFL Honors. That went to Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray. Regardless, Jacobs set a Raiders' rookie record by rushing for 1,150 yards in just 13 games.

"He's a tough runner. He runs angry. That's what I've been letting the guys know, we're going to have to gang tackle," Whitehead said. "Don't underestimate him and expect him to be an easy tackle, or an easy down when the ball is in his hands because he's looking to get to the end zone."

Then there's tight end Darren Waller, who had a breakout season in 2019, emerging as one of the Raiders' top threats. He caught 90 passes for 1,145 yards with three touchdowns. Only the Chiefs' Travis Kelce had more receiving yards as a tight end last year with 1,229.

"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."

While there's familiarity in the opponent, 2020 is still shaping up to be a season unlike any other. Though the practice week is similar, Whitehead acknowledged how different gameday might feel.

"You can't feed off the juice from the crowd when you make a big play and all of that stuff," Whitehead said. "There's nobody else out there, and this year more than any other year, that really holds true."

As one of the Panthers' leaders, Whitehead will likely be a significant part of energizing the club on Sunday. To that point, Rhule's been nothing but pleased with Whitehead's performance and leadership ability.

"He's a true professional," Rhule said. "He's most importantly a great person, great father, great husband, but also a great player and teammate."

 

 

Gotta be a big help having Whitehead on the team this week as they prepare for the Las Vegas Raiders. Let's face it, the Panthers defense is going to need all the help they can get. 

[NAS]

Hope he works out, but Raiders fans are laughing that he’s replacing Kuechly on our team and see him as a major liability on our defense.

[4Corners]

1 hour ago, NAS said:

Hope he works out, but Raiders fans are laughing that he’s replacing Kuechly on our team and see him as a major liability on our defense.

He sucks. Spot starter and Average back Up at best. Replacing Luke with this scrub is like trading in a Ferrari for a ford escort. 

[shaqattaq]

1 hour ago, Jeremy Igo said:

Second-year running back Josh Jacobs is the heartbeat of the Raiders offense. He was the PFWA's Offensive Rookie of the Year but did not receive the AP award given at NFL Honors. That went to Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray. Regardless, Jacobs set a Raiders' rookie record by rushing for 1,150 yards in just 13 games.

Hmmm... I didn't follow the Raiders much last year. I knew they had a young, talented RB, didn't realize he was that good. Looks like we'll see how improved our run D is right off the bat. 

Josh Jacobs, meet Derrick Brown!

[stbugs]

2 hours ago, NAS said:

Hope he works out, but Raiders fans are laughing that he’s replacing Kuechly on our team and see him as a major liability on our defense.

Our back 7 is a huge liability. Outside of Shaq, who some people still don’t like, I don’t have a lot of faith in any of the back 7. There is potential but Chinn and Pride are rookies. Talking 2020 here, if the ball gets past our front 4, I’m worried and let’s be honest we have a lot of green on the front 4 too and a hope that Short turns back the clock 3 years.

[Jon Snow]

6 hours ago, 4Corners said:

He sucks. Spot starter and Average back Up at best. Replacing Luke with this scrub is like trading in a Ferrari for a ford escort. 

I will give you this brother you are consistent.

[Basbear]

Raiders fans hated the guy as a LB, had zero coverage skils. He dropped about 20 LBs when he came over, panthers need someone to step up and he has thus far. 

[Rags]

Waller is Vernon Davis. Physical freak at tight end. Kind of a secret in the NFL.

I am interested to see how this front 7 holds up against the Raiders line (it is okay) and Jacobs (he can break tackles.) Not expecting much but it's a good first test.

[CRA]

9 hours ago, NAS said:

Hope he works out, but Raiders fans are laughing that he’s replacing Kuechly on our team and see him as a major liability on our defense.

well, lot of MLB in terms of the run has to do w/ what is in front of you.  Our DT play should be decent for him. 

Pass coverage? Well, hard to guess how Rhule/Snow plan to scheme up to deal with different threats.  I mean if we let Oak dictate who covers Waller?  Well, that probably would be bad. 

Kinda have to forget about Luke.  Would suck for any player coming in behind a GOAT.