The Carolina Panthers’ decision to make a quarterback switch immediately paid dividends. Veteran Andy Dalton, who stepped in for struggling Bryce Young, put up a vintage performance to lead the Panthers to a 36-22 win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday night.
Dalton, making his first start since Week 3 of the 2023 season, completed 70.3 of his passes in the Raiders game while throwing for 319 yards and three touchdowns. He became the first QB in the NFL this season to throw for 300+ yards and three TDs.
The Panthers entered the 2024 season with Young, the first overall pick in last year’s draft, as their starter. Dalton was expected to serve as a mentor to the former Alabama product and provide injury insurance for the team.
However, after Young managed only 245 passing yards with zero touchdowns and three interceptions in the opening two weeks, first-year head coach Dave Canales opted to give Dalton an opportunity to lead the offense. If the game against the Raiders is any indicator, Canales made the right move.
“The way this game went today is exactly how you want it to go,” said Dalton. “They’re not all going to go this way, but for us to come out and do what we did, it shows the potential of what we can be.”
Barring some unforeseen circumstances, Dalton is expected to remain the Panthers’ starter throughout the rest of the season.
Young, on the other hand, might have worn off his welcome in Carolina, and it wouldn’t be surprising if he doesn’t get a chance to play for the Panthers again.
