Dalton shines as strong veteran presence fuels Panthers’ victory

In a refreshing turn of events for the Carolina Panthers, quarterback Andy Dalton showcased composure and leadership during Sunday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Earlier in the week, first-year head coach Dave Canales made the decision to bench rookie Bryce Young in favor of the seasoned Dalton, who responded by throwing three touchdown passes in a 36-22 victory.

Facing criticism after an 0-2 start that saw the Panthers outscored by an astounding 60 points, Canales recognized the need for a boost in both team morale and offensive performance. He believed the team was better than their record suggested, and the change in quarterback aimed to spark their search for identity.

“I got a chance to just be me,” said Dalton after completing 26 of 37 passes for 319 yards along with three touchdowns. “I’m normally pretty calm and relaxed. It was just about making sure the guys were having fun.” He emphasized that players put in significant effort during the week and deserved to enjoy their performance on game day.

The Panthers had faced substantial challenges in their first two games, suffering a humbling 47-10 loss to the New Orleans Saints and a 26-3 defeat against the Los Angeles Chargers. Dalton’s elevation to starter came after Young, the first overall pick in the 2023 draft, put up disappointing statistics that drew concern.

Canales described the week leading up to the game as “really heavy,” especially considering it involved benching a player that team owner David Tepper had once confidently claimed would lead them to Super Bowls. Seeing the effort and teamwork culminate in a resounding victory was rewarding for Canales, albeit it left him feeling exhausted.

“I’m smiling inside,” he said, acknowledging the emotional weight of the week. “We’re still working to establish our culture and process.” Canales continues to promote the philosophy of complementary football and refrains from singling out any player for praise, even if Dalton’s impact was undeniable.

Dalton set a tone of success early in the matchup, rousing the team to score a touchdown on their opening drive. This marked the end of a disappointing streak during which the Panthers failed to score on their first series for 20 consecutive games. The three touchdowns thrown by Dalton in the first half were the most for a Carolina quarterback since Cam Newton achieved a similar feat on December 20, 2015.

This victory also broke a streak that lasted seven games without holding a lead, a trend that dated back to Week 16 of the previous season. Much of the offensive revival could be attributed to Dalton, who was nicknamed the “Red Rifle” during his college days due to his distinct red hair.

Wide receiver Diontae Johnson, who was acquired in an off-season trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers, highlighted the experience Dalton brought to the field. “A veteran presence,” he noted. “He got us in position to score and execute plays. We just remained focused, making the most of every play called.” Johnson had a standout performance with a career-high 122 receiving yards and a touchdown after struggling in the previous games with Young.

The running game also thrived under Dalton’s leadership. Chuba Hubbard recorded 114 yards on 21 carries and caught five passes for an additional 55 yards, marking the first touchdown in the process. It was a rare occasion for the Panthers to boast a 300-yard passer, a 100-yard rusher, and a 100-yard receiver in the same game, an event that hadn’t occurred since Week 8 of 2022.

“That’s Panthers football,” Canales remarked, emphasizing the importance of teamwork in achieving the victory. “We got to show them how it all complements and plays off each other.” For Dalton, this game reaffirmed that he could still contribute significantly to a winning effort at this stage of his career. Meanwhile, Young’s absence served as a stark reminder of the patience required for rookie quarterbacks to develop.

On the sidelines, Young observed the game with a solemn expression. His first action after the final whistle was to embrace Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew, acknowledging the heavy emotions surrounding the week. Dalton expressed empathy for Young, stating, “It definitely was a heavy week, and hard on a lot of people. Bryce and I have had conversations throughout this whole thing.” The victory felt meaningful as the Panthers finally established a fourth-quarter lead for the first time in 20 games.

With smiles on his face, Dalton made an effort to lift Canales’ spirits post-game. Even Adam Thielen, who sustained a hamstring injury during a touchdown catch and may face time out, joined in the celebration, praising Dalton’s leadership. “He did a great job of communicating and leading us,” Thielen said. “That was his message to us—we’ve got to start fast.” Dalton’s promising performance set the stage for a celebratory week ahead as the Panthers prepared to face the Cincinnati Bengals, the team that originally drafted him.