The Carolina Panthers defeated the Las Vegas Raiders 36-22, and quarterback Andy Dalton, who was named the starter for Week 3 on Monday, September 16, deserves all the credit.
Dalton took the role of former No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young, who was benched after just two games for the Carolina Panthers this season. The 14-year-veteran quarterback stepped up and led the 0-2 Panthers over the 1-1 Raiders.
ANDY DALTON IS SLINGING IT
— PFF (@PFF) September 22, 2024
pic.twitter.com/Vt9vxuv7eT
In his first start for Carolina, Dalton completed 26/37 for 319 yards and three touchdowns in the Panther's double-digit win. Carolina was on the prowl the entire game, putting points on the board in all four quarters, including 14 in the second quarter to give the Panthers a 21-7 lead over the Raiders at the half.
Bryce Young this season: 0 TD
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 22, 2024
Andy Dalton in one half: 3 TD pic.twitter.com/LAkhery4Y3
Carolina will take on the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 4 in Charlotte, where it is very likely that Dalton will remain the starter. In one game, Dalton has thrown for more yards (319), more touchdowns (3), and fewer interceptions (0) than Young has thrown in Weeks 1 and 2 for Carolina.
Capturing a win on the road in Las Vegas and the first of their season may be the much-needed momentum shift for the Panthers this season. While there is no word about who will take the field against the Bengals in Week 4, expect to see Dalton return against his former team.